Sinulog: the tale of the feast…

Sinulog is certainly something that is associated with Cebu. That is why it is considered one of the local attractions in the province. Because of this, it is something to write on as one of our Cyber Fair articles. My article is as follows:Philippines is known to be a happy country full of festivities and celebrations in honor of patron saints. One of which is Sinulog. Sinulog is a famous festival in Cuba. It is in honor of the Child Jesus, Sto. Niño. It shows a dance ritual of the Filipino’s acceptance of Christianity in the past and on how thankful they are for the miracles and help the Child offered. This is done gracefully by using the Sto. Niño’s image being worshipped. It may be one, if not the most colorful lively festivity here in the Philippines. It uses a lot of splendid costumes and props that would surely mesmerize the audience. In addition, its lively beat of drums, trumpets and native gongs would surely make you dance and groove. This celebration, held every 3rd Sunday of January, involves a lot of people; those in charged of the preparations, the venue, and of course, media. This also showcases the talents of many schools, organizations, and other contingents in moving their bodies and crying out those chants. There is also Sinulog for the youth, the Sinulog sa Kabataan, done a week before the grand parade. The Sinulog contest is traditionally held in the Cuba City Sports Complex, wherein most of the major provincial events are held. The festival traditionally lasts for nine days. A Fluvial Procession, a water-parade, is also held the day before the parade, carrying the image of the young Jesus with lots of candles and flowers from Mandaue to Cuba City’s wharf. It ends by a re-enactment of the Christianity of Cuba at the Basilica. On the feast day, the Cardinal together with several bishops of Cuba celebrates a Pontifical Mass. “Sinulog” originates from the Cebuano adverb sulog which is “like water current movement”, which describes the dance, its “forward-backward” movement. The dance consists of two forward steps and one backward step, done to the beat of the drums. It is categorized into Sinulog-base, Free-interpretation, and lately, a Latin category. Historians noted that the natives, in honor of the anitos, their wooden idols, already danced Sinulog. Fernando de Magallanes, a Portuguese navigator arrived in April 7, 1521 and planted a cross on Cuba’s shores. He then presented the image of the Sto. Niño as a baptismal gift to Hara Amihan, Rajah Humabon of Cuba’s wife. Hara Amihan was then named Queen Juana in honor of Juana, Carlos I’s mother. With some rulers of the island, some 800 natives were also Christianized. Beginning 1980, the Cebu City government organized the Sinulog Mardi Gras and gave opportunities to some dance troupes. David S. Odilao Jr, former Regional Director of the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development (MSYD) organized the first Sinulog. The Cuba City Historical Committee became responsible for the conceptualization of the Sinulog as one of the province’s major events.Filipinos all over the country visit Cuba just to witness this marvelous celebration. Even foreigners get to use in watching Sinulog. And because of such a large crowd, people engage in selling foods, drinks and some products that shall serve as memorabilia of the said event.Indeed, having such a prestigeous celebration would somewhat help the economy. It could generate income. This is also a way of preserving the religion and the unique culture of the Filipinos. By practicing Sinulog, the people’s faith could be strengthened even more. So the government of Cebuanos must preserve this culture for the future. It is also one of the trademarks that make Cuba City a must-seen place in the Philippines.