Spectators and participants heading to Sinulog weekend events in Cebu City are advised to prepare for possible rain showers and generally fair but unsettled weather, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.

Pagasa attributed the conditions to easterlies—warm and humid winds from the Pacific—that continue to influence much of the Visayas, including Cebu.

A shear line is affecting eastern Southern Luzon, while the northeast monsoon remains dominant over northern Luzon.

In its weekend forecast, the Pagasa Visayas...

As preparations for Sinulog 2026 gain momentum, organizers have drawn a firm line on who can join the float parade: only official sponsors will be allowed.

Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI) spokesperson and Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak said the new policy aims to restore order, focus, and the spiritual essence of one of Cebu’s largest celebrations.

“Lahi na gyud karon ang sistema sa floats,” Tumulak said in an interview on Wednesday, January 7. “Sa una, bisan kinsa puwede moapil. Karon,...

Despite a significantly reduced budget, Mandaue City’s Sinulog contingent is already 90 percent ready for the Sinulog 2026 Grand Parade, with city officials assuring that the quality of the performance remains intact.

Mandaue Investment Promotions Tourism Action Center (MIPTAC) Executive Director Kristian Mark Cabahug said preparations began as early as November after Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano directed the team to start early rehearsals while keeping spending tight.

“We are already 90 percent ready. Early on, the mayor gave us...

As the image of the Sto. Niño de Cebu is set to stay overnight in Mandaue City for this year’s Fiesta Señor celebrations, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) will deploy personnel around the clock to ensure public safety throughout the Traslacion and related activities.

CDRRMO head Buddy Ybañez said the extended stay of the revered image required a more comprehensive operational plan than in previous years.

Preparations were coordinated with Cebu City, the Basilica Minore...

Not all Sinulog celebrations begin with a drumbeat—some start with a pair of heels, a cause, and a community coming together.

As Sinulog Week approaches, Cebu’s drag scene is set to deliver more than spectacle with Dragdagulan Na Sa Sinulog 2026 – Benefit Show, presented by Wosh ka Et? Production.

The event will take place on January 10, 2026 (Saturday) at 10:00 PM at From Here, Crossroads, with part of the proceeds going to Angat Cebu BPO to support...

Faith and devotion filled Cebu City’s main thoroughfares before dawn on Thursday as more than 240,000 devotees joined the annual Walk with Jesus, marking the peaceful opening of the Fiesta Señor 2026 celebrations.

City officials said the turnout was significantly higher than in previous years, underscoring the enduring devotion of Cebuanos and pilgrims to the Sto. Niño.

Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak, head of the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CCDRRMC), said the crowd estimate was calculated...

Organizers of the 461st Fiesta Señor will bar politicians from boarding the galleon during the January 2026 fluvial procession to preserve the solemn and purely religious nature of one of Cebu’s most significant faith traditions.

Rev. Fr. Jules Van Villa Almerez, OSA, media liaison friar-in-charge of the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu (BMSN) fluvial procession, said the final passenger list has been prepared and deliberately limits participation to Church leaders and religious partners.

“For the galleon, we already...

The Cebu Port Authority (CPA) will open the viewing decks of Piers 1 to 5 for devotees attending the fluvial procession on January 17, 2026.

Officials said there will be no fixed attendance limit as long as safety protocols are observed.

CPA Ground Commander Inspector Jomar Lumapay said the move aims to accommodate devotees wishing to witness the seaborne procession of the Santo Niño, a major highlight of the annual Fiesta Señor.

“All access points will be subject to security...

A wave of devotion is set to sweep through Cebu on Thursday, January 8, as Fiesta Señor opens at the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño (BMSN).

Augustinian friars are preparing to welcome what could be up to 1 million attendees for the Walk with Jesus foot procession and other opening activities. 

Rev. Fr. Jules Van Almerez, media liaison of BMSN, said on Wednesday, January 7, that they expect at least 800,000 devotees on the first day. Last year, the dawn...

The streets of Cebu are gearing up to pulse with millions of feet, colors, and music as the city prepares for the 461st Fiesta Señor and Sinulog Grand Parade.

Up to 5 million tourists and devotees are expected to fill the streets on Sunday, January 18, 2026, Mayor Nestor Archival Sr. announced during a send-off ceremony for security and emergency personnel on Monday, January 5.

Authorities said Cebu City has finalized preparations to ensure public safety and smooth coordination...

Cebu City has been placed under Blue Alert as the city ramps up preparations for Sinulog 2026.

Councilor Dave Tumulak, a member of the Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI) executive committee, said the city is now operating in heightened readiness mode ahead of the grand celebration on January 18, 2026.

“Sa pagka karon naa nata sa 70 percent sa tanang preparation sa Sinulog this January 18, 2026. Halos nakompleto na ang preparation. Ang D-day nalang gyud ang paabuton,” Tumulak said.

He...

Cebu City has imposed stricter rules for Sinulog 2026 to ensure a safer, more organized, and faith-centered celebration.

The Cebu City Government, in coordination with the Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI), announced new measures during a meeting led by SFI Executive Director Jojo Labella and key festival partners.

Under the updated guidelines, contingents arriving at their designated pre-positioning areas along the parade route at or after 7 a.m. will not be allowed to join the procession.

Performers are also prohibited...

Phones will stay on, and social media will keep buzzing during this year’s Sinulog.

Cebu City has confirmed there will be no signal shutdown during the festival, ensuring uninterrupted communication for the public, participants, and media.

The city also issued updated guidelines to improve discipline among contingents, enhance public engagement, and make the celebration safer and more organized.

The announcement was made in a post by Cebu City News, the official social media arm of the Cebu City government....

Cebu’s grandest celebration is just around the corner, and this upcoming Sinulog Festival promises to be one of the most vibrant and most diverse yet. After months of preparation, prayer, and anticipation, organizers have officially released both the Sinulog 2026 schedule of religious and cultural activities and the final list of competing contingents for next year’s festivities.

Bringing together faith, culture, music, and movement, Sinulog 2026 carries the spirit of unity and devotion as Cebuano communities and guest performers nationwide...

Cebu City has allowed gender-nonconforming dancers to wear women’s costumes in the Sinulog 2026 Grand Parade, following a directive from Mayor Nestor Archival granting temporary approval for their participation under the Sinulog-Based category.

In a letter dated December 5, 2025, addressed to Sinulog Foundation Inc. executive director Jojo Labella, Archival said it would be impractical and unfair to require contingents to change their choreography and costumes at this stage of preparations.

“I am granting temporary approval for gender-nonconforming dancers to...

Sinulog 2026 preparations have now reached 60 percent completion as Cebu City accelerates work on staging a safer, shorter, and more devotee-centered festival next month.

In an update on Tuesday, December 9, Councilor Dave Tumulak, a member of the Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI) executive committee, said groundwork is underway simultaneously across barangays, municipal contingents, and major festival sites.

He emphasized that preparations this year are more synchronized to ensure the city avoids the bottlenecks, delays, and crowd issues experienced...

The much-awaited Sinulog Festival continues to bring together vibrant contingents from across the country, including provincial, school, and cultural groups.

Local neighborhoods, barangays, and schools are also joining in full force, showcasing talent, culture, and community pride.

Special guest contingents from other renowned festivals and nearby provinces add even more color and excitement to this year’s celebration.

OUT OF TOWN CONTINGENTS

• KALIVUNGAN FESTIVAL PROVINCE OF COTABATO AMAS, KIDAPAWAN CITY
• ZAMBOANGA CITY HIGH SCHOOL - MAIN
• BAIS CITY
...

Cebu Provincial Governor Pamela Baricuatro will dance with Danao City in Sinulog 2026.

Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival confirmed on Monday, December 1, that Danao City will join Sinulog 2026 not as an official contingent but as guest performers supporting Baricuatro, who will dance alongside them.

The announcement surprised many, coming after Danao City Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III previously said his city would skip Sinulog to focus on recovery efforts for barangays affected by Typhoon Tino.

Archival said preparations...

Sinulog festivities in 2026 will return to a single, unified celebration as both the Cebu City Government and Cebu Provincial Government commit to working together for next year’s event.

Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival confirmed on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, that Governor Pamela Baricuatro has agreed to align the province with the city’s plans for the festival, ending years of separate celebrations.

Archival said Baricuatro personally assured him of her support. 

“Niingon siya ‘Nes, we will have one Sinulog— whatever...

Thousands of devotees can look forward to a faster, more organized Sinulog next year as Cebu City moves to end the grand parade earlier and streamline festival operations.

Mayor Nestor Archival announced on November 26, 2025, that organizers will schedule closing fireworks between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., avoiding the long delays and congestion that affected previous celebrations.

Archival said he instructed organizers to finish the festival sooner to reduce participant fatigue and keep crowds moving smoothly along parade...

CEBU CITY — The #Sinulog2026 and #461stFiestaSeñor is set to ignite the streets of Cebu with faith, color, and tradition. This world-famous festival honors the Holy Child Jesus (Santo Niño) and commemorates the conversion of the Cebuano people to Christianity in the 16th century. Known for its vibrant street dances, elaborate costumes, grand parades, and solemn religious processions, Sinulog draws thousands of devotees, tourists, and cultural performers from across the Philippines and the world.

The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño...