Sinulog 2025 draws major interest, poised to double last year’s participants

Local

THE Sinulog Festival 2025 is gearing up for what could be its biggest year yet, with more than 35 groups already committed to joining the Grand Parade and Grand Showdown.

Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI) Executive Director Elmer “Jojo” Labella said on Wednesday, November 27, that the upcoming celebration is poised to more than double the 16 contingents that participated in 2024.

Registration for the event will officially open on December 1 and will run until December 8, allowing organizers to have enough time to finalize billeting, logistics, and security preparations.

Labella explained that the brief registration window is essential for expediting preparations, ensuring that resources and assistance can be quickly provided to the participating groups.

The festival has attracted considerable interest from both local and out-of-town contingents. Groups from Parañaque City, Antipolo City, Tabaco City, Sorsogon, Siargao, and Sarangani have already expressed their intent to participate.

Three Pintados Festival winners from Leyte will also be joining the grand celebration.

Locally, at least 14 barangays from Cebu City and several municipalities from the province have confirmed their participation.

Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has been actively coordinating with organizers to ensure that Cebu Province is well-represented, with discussions focusing on how many contingents the city can accommodate.

While Labella said that the target number of contingents is around 35, he emphasized that the final list would be adjusted based on logistical considerations, such as route management and security.

The number of contingents may still change after the registration period ends on December 8.

After two years at the South Road Properties (SRP), the Sinulog Grand Parade and Showdown will return to the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) as directed by Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia.

Labella pointed out that CCSC's location makes it more accessible to spectators, despite the past controversies over SRP as a venue.

To protect the rubberized track oval at CCSC, which was previously damaged, organizers will cover the surface with thick plywood, with support from the city government.

The track underwent repairs in November, and Labella confirmed that the work is nearing completion.

Sinulog 2025 will also introduce a brass band competition for the first time. This new addition aims to revive the tradition of drum and bugle corps performances, which have become less common in recent years.

The announcement has already sparked interest from groups in Calabarzon and Dumaguete.

Originally scheduled for 2024, the competition was postponed due to time constraints, but organizers are now working to finalize the contest pieces and confirm participants.

The festival will also return to its original tagline, “One Beat, One Dance, One Vision,” after several years of using different variations. Cultural activities will be held at CCSC, while concerts will continue to take place at SRP.

The Grand Parade route will follow its traditional path, passing through Imus Road, General Maxilom Avenue, Osmeña Boulevard, and ending at CCSC.

To encourage more participation, SFI has waived registration fees for the puppeteer and higante competitions.

Additionally, the film and photo contests, as well as the Sinulog sa Lalawigan and Sinulog sa Dakbayan, will serve as qualifiers for the Grand Showdown.(MyTVCebu)