This Week in Cebu (January 13-18, 2016)

One of the most-awaited festivals in the country is making its way to bring new and exciting experiences to locals and tourists. This week Cebu celebrates its pride, the Sinulog Festival!

Sinulog Festival is held each year on the third Sunday of the month, January 17 this year, in honor of the miraculous Sto. Niño.

The Sinulog Foundation, Inc. and other establishments in Cebu have organized street parties, processional walks, music festivals, fireworks competitions, cultural shows, beauty pageants, and talent searches for this event. In particular, a “Cultural Show” and the “Street Party Bands Concert” are set on January 13 at Fuente Osmeña, the “Cebu Popular Music Festival” on January 15 at the Cebu Coliseum, and the “Solemn Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Niño” on January 16, among others.

The highlight of the festival is the Mardi Gras or the Sinulog Grand Parade on January 17, 2016 where numerous dance groups, floats, and marching bands fill the festival route.

More visitors arrive in Cebu to celebrate the festival. Hotels, resorts, and inns are expected to have higher occupancy and rates, but many of them also offer packages so guests can save.

For example, Crown Regency Hotel & Towers offer the Sinulog 2016 Super Saver promos. One package called ”Sinulog 2016” includes buffet breakfast, welcome drinks, complimentary bottled water, and use of WiFi and the fitness center for a minimum of 3 nights stay from January 15 to January 19, 2016 at Php 7,588.07 (US$ 161) per night.

Travelers have lots of options to see Cebu during this week. They can watch local pageants such as the Coronation Night for the “Sinulog Festival Queen 2016” at the Cebu City Sports Center and “Miss Cebu 2016” at the Waterfront Hotel & Casino, a singing contest such as the “Sinulog Idol” at the Fuente Osmeña Circle, and a dance contest such as the “Sinulog 2016 Dance Crew.” They can also witness the “Fluvial Procession of the Miraculous Image of the Santo Niño” or the “Holy Child Jesus” at the Mactan Channel and “Sinulog Fireworks Competition” at the SM City Cebu. Most importantly, they can take part in the dancing during the “Grand Parade.”