Successful Celebration of Sinulog 2013 - Weather Joins Also, Good Year for this Fiesta

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Blessed with fine weather, the Queen City of the South on Sunday celebrated its 33rd Sinulog Festival in honor of the feast of Sr. Santo Niño.

The Festival started with a pontifical mass held at the Basilica del Santo Niño celebrated by Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma. In his homily, Palma said: "If we want to journey in faith, Sto. Nino sets an example of obedience. With freedom comes responsibility."

He also said that the coming May 2013 elections will bear good results if each will do their best. He also thanked the lawmakers who voted against the Reproductive Health Law.

Mayor Mike Rama formally opened the Sinulog 2013 Grand Parade at 9 a.m. Different contingents from various parts of the province, including those outside Cebu took part in the Festival.

Forty contingents, which include eight contingents outside Cebu, paraded the city streets before showing off their contest piece in the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC).

Thirty-two of the contingents have already competed in the event as of this posting.

Colorful and creative floats and mascots also took part in the parade. Artists from ABS-CBN, GMA Network, and ABC5 also graced the grandest festival in Cebu.

As of 11 a.m., the festival drew a crowd of around 1.4 million revelers in the streets of the city to take part in the Festival, the police said.

Generally, there were no major untoward incidents and setbacks in the celebration of the Sinulog. Earlier in the day, there were two reported fires, but were immediately put out without causing major damages.

The dance

Suspended Governor Gwen Garcia, as promised, went to the CCSC around 4 p.m. to attend the Sinulog. This is the first time the governor went out of the Capitol after locking herself inside her office more than a month.

Members of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) lead by Vice President Jejomar Binay were also in the city to support Garcia. Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, also a member of UNA, was present in the festival but later flew back to Manila.

It was reported that Garcia will perform in the Sinulog as the lead dancer of the Liloan contingent. However, she entered the CCSC without costume.

As of this posting, it is not clear though if the suspended Governor will dance in the last minute.

The Festival will conclude with a fireworks display later this evening. (Sunnex)