Sinulog 2025 has officially earned its place as the grandest celebration in Cebu’s history, with an estimated four million people flooding the streets on Sunday, January 19. This marked a significant jump from the 2.5 to 3 million attendees in 2024, highlighting the event’s return to its traditional roots at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC).
Record-Breaking Crowd, Colorful Parade
The festival kicked off with a Holy Mass at 8 a.m., followed by the official opening of the street dancing competition by Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia. Over 100 contingents, including 43 groups competing in both Free Interpretation and Sinulog Based categories, paraded along a six-kilometer route that passed through major streets like P. Del Rosario, Imus Avenue, and Osmeña Boulevard. The streets were alive with vibrant colors, rhythmic dancing, and shared devotion to Señor Santo Niño.
Minor Setbacks, Major Success
While the festival saw a record crowd, it wasn’t without its challenges. Barangay Kalunasan, one of the participating contingents, withdrew from the competition due to safety concerns, calling for better crowd management in future events. Despite this, the Cebu City Police assured that the event remained peaceful and orderly with no major incidents reported.
Sinulog’s Grand Return and Full Provincial Support
Mayor Garcia declared Sinulog 2025 the grandest in Cebu City’s history. According to him, Sinulog 2025 marked a triumphant return to the Cebu City Sports Center after two years at the South Road Properties (SRP), a move that had faced opposition due to safety concerns. With the province’s backing, Sinulog 2025 became not only the largest but also the most unified celebration in recent memory. It was a fitting reflection of Cebu’s rich cultural heritage and deep devotion to Señor Santo Niño, setting the stage for even bigger celebrations in the years to come.
