What does Sinulog really means?

A lot of people may be wondering what Sinulog really means. Sinulog comes from the Cebuano word sulog which means like the movement of the water current.

In honor of the Santo Niño, who used to be the patron saint of the province of Cebu, the main festival is held each year on the third Sunday of January. It is basically a dance ritual which remembers the Filipino people’s pagan past and their acceptance of Christianity.

History says that before the Spaniards came to the Philippines, Cebu was inhabited by pagans and Islamic people who traded with other Asian civilization. Most of the natives honor Santo Niño de Cebu. Historical accounts reveal that the wooden Santo Nino was a bequest by the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan after his arrival in the Philippines on March 16, 1521 under the flagship of Spain to the wife of Rajah Humabon, Cebu’s chieftain.

Then suddenly, the image of Santo Niño became the emblem of friendship, taking, and conversion to Christianity of the natives.

With its rich history and grand celebration it easily became popular and people from different parts of the country and even from different parts of the world fly to Cebu to witness and be part of the celebration.

The festival showcases some the country’s most colorful displays of pomp and pageantry. Participants are dressed in bright-colored costumes dancing to the rhythm of drums, trumpets, and native gongs. The streets are usually lined with vendors and pedestrians all wanting to witness the street-dancing. Smaller versions of the festival are also held in various parts of the province, also to celebrate and honor the Santo Niño. There is also a Sinulog sa Kabataan, which is performed by the youths of Cebu a week before the Grand Parade.

Lately, the cultural event has become a tourist attraction and instead of traditional street-dancing from locals, Sinulog also came to mean a contest featuring contingents from various parts of the country. The Sinulog Contest is traditionally held in the Cebu City Sports Complex, where most of Cebu’s major provincial events are held.

But aside from the colorful and festive dancing, there is also the SME trade fair where Sinulog features Cebu export quality products and people around the world flock on the treasures of Cebu.

Pit Senyor! And this is what you will hear during the Sinulog Festival. Some said it originated from the phrase "Sangpit sa Senyor" (Call to Senyor), which was only shortened to Pit. Or basically, when you say Viva Pit Senyor, it means Hail Master.