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Over 5.2 million spectators join in revelry for Cebu’s Sinulog 2026

Article (news)

Annie Perez

ABS-CBN News

This year’s Sinulog Festival in Cebu, in honor of the 461st feast of the Santo Niño de Cebu, drew over 5.2 million spectators, according to the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. The crowd spanned from morning until evening along the route, at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, and in areas with festival-related activities. There were 40 dancing contingents this year, 31 floats, 9 higantes, and 3 puppeteers. Among those who joined the grand festival were foreigners such as Shom Anatawa from Japan and Eva Boloc. “I’m very surprised! In Japan, we don’t show up like this; that is why I’m so impressed,” he shared. Eva Boloc, who heard about the Sinulog Festival online, couldn’t help but be in awe of what she saw. “There are so many cute and beautiful people… and everyone is just smiling. It’s just so wonderful to see,” she shared. There were also those who traveled from different regions. “We really wanted to experience the Sinulog because it is the grandest Mardi Gras in the Philippines,” said JC Juanero from Palompon, Leyte. For Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, the event was a success. “Very, even when we started, the venue and the streets were already full,” said Archival in Cebuano. PRAYERS FROM CONTINGENTS AND WINNERS There were 13 out-of-town contingents for this year’s festival, including one from Albay. “Sana po maging safe ang Bicolandia,” said dancer Eli Francis, referring to the recent activity of the Mayon Volcano. “It’s not easy because it is very hot today, but it is our offering to the Santo Niño,” said Carla Flores from Pundok Nagkahiusa, Barangay Luz, Cebu City. The contingent from Tagbilaran City, Bohol, won first place in the Ritual Showdown Competition Sinulog-Based Category and was also awarded Best in Musicality. Meanwhile, Tribu Masadyaon of Toledo City, Cebu, was named first in the Free Interpretation Category and Best in Musicality. They were also the winners of the street dancing competition. MINOR INJURIES LOGGED BUT GENERALLY PEACEFUL Authorities logged 152 minor injuries, which included faints and minor wounds, among others. Police Lt. Col. Franco Oriol, Commander of the Sinulog Parade, reported no major incidents. “So far, [it is] manageable by our police because we prepared for any contingency and eventualities,” said Oriol. The police also implemented the Executive Order in the city banning liquor. San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora, who attended the event, noted the peace and order situation in the city and plans to implement similar measures in San Juan, especially during the Wattah Wattah Festival. “Gusto ko ma-apply sa amin sa San Juan. I’m learning a lot from your Sinulog Festival,” said Zamora. A total of 9,370 security personnel were deployed for this year’s Sinulog, with augmentation from other provinces.

This year’s Sinulog Festival in Cebu, in honor of the 461st feast of the Santo Niño de Cebu, drew over 5.2 million spectators according to the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

This year’s Sinulog Festival in Cebu, in honor of the 461st feast of the Santo Niño de Cebu, drew over 5.2 million spectators according to the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

Over 5.2 million spectators join Cebu's Sinulog 2026

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Over 5.2 million spectators join Cebu's Sinulog 2026

Annie Perez,

ABS-CBN News

Published January 19, 2026 10:08 AM PHT

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Sinulog Festival

Cebu

461st feast of the Santo Niño de Cebu

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