Jauhn Etienne Villaruel

Article (news)

Annie Perez

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1767595584314viber_image_2026-01-05_12-57-40_cropped_processed_by_imagy.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">The local government of Cebu City is expecting around 4 to 5 million visitors for the Sinulog Festival on January 18, which coincides with the day of the 461st feast of the Santo Niño de Cebu. Annie Perez, ABS-CBN News</span></span></span></div><p>CEBU CITY — The local government of Cebu City is expecting around 4 to 5 million visitors for the Sinulog Festival on January 18, which coincides with the day of the 461st feast of the Santo Niño de Cebu.</p><p>“About 4 to 5 million during the Sinulog mardi gras,” said Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival in an interview on Monday.</p><p>“Our city government is here so when you reach Cebu, you will be safe and peaceful,” added Archival in Cebuano.</p><p>The city has lined up 40 dancing contingents, where three are guest performers.</p><p>Close to 7,000 members of the Philippine National Police, Philippine Army, Bureau of Fire Protection, and other agencies were deployed to secure Cebu City for the festivity.</p><p>Activities will start on Thursday, January 8, such as the opening salvo for the Novena Masses, while the actual feast is on January 18, Sunday.</p><p>“We are giving emphasis sa highest degree of peace, security and safety. Dapat lesser ang crime than last year,“ said Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, Director of the Police Regional Office Central Visayas.</p><p>Aside from manpower, the police also showcased their new mobile cars, handheld radio, megaphones, and other resources. There is also a new mobile command center that features real-time monitoring of all CCTV cameras in Metro Cebu. </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>INVITED GUESTS</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Archival said that they are anticipating the arrival of important national figures.</p><p>“We are sending a letter to the President, the Vice President, Head of Congress and Senate, as well as the Head of the Mayor’s league,” added Archival.</p><p>However, they are yet to receive an initial confirmation from these guests.</p><p>“Our celebration should still be vibrant. Based on the theme, we are united and nobody should get left behind,” said Rev. Fr. Jules Almerez, media liaison of the Basilica Minore Del Santo Niño.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO</strong></div><div><br/></div><div><strong><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0DrqS_htH_o?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></strong><br/></div>

<p>The local government of Cebu City is expecting around 4 to 5 million visitors for the Sinulog Festival on January 18, which coincides with the day of the 461st feast of the Santo Niño de Cebu.</p>

The local government of Cebu City is expecting around 4 to 5 million visitors for the Sinulog Festival on January 18, which coincides with the day of the 461st feast of the Santo Niño de Cebu.

Up to 5 million spectators expected in Cebu for 2026 Sinulog Festival

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Up to 5 million spectators expected in Cebu for 2026 Sinulog Festival

Annie Perez

Published January 05, 2026 02:47 PM PHT

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santo niño de cebu

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