Holy Mass kicks off Sinulog Festival

Cebu City: A Holy Mass kicked off the 2024 Sinulog Grand Parade Celebration held at the South Road Properties.

The Sinulog Festival is an annual cultural and religious event celebrated on the third Sunday of January in Cebu City that serves as the focal point of the Philippines’ observance of the feast of Santo Niño or the Child Jesus

The Santo Niño de Cebu is the oldest Christian artifact in the Philippines, given to Rajah Humabon (baptized as Carlos) and his wife and principal consort, Hara Humamay (baptized as Juana), by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521 in recognition of their Christian baptism. Photo by Moises Cruz

The much awaited 17 contingents will participate in the grand parade this afternoon.

For the Sinulog-based category these are:

1. Abellana National School

2. Banauan Cultural Group – Barangay Guadalupe

3. Hut-ong sa Lunhawng Mamumoo sa Pamilyang Cebu Gen

4. Barangay Bulacao powered by Alpha Kappa Rho

5. Pundok Baniladnon sa Sugbo – Barangay Banilad

6. Inayawan Talents Guild and Cultural Dance Troupe – Barangay Inayawan

7. Nagkahiusang Mananayaw sa Sapangdaku – Barangay Sapangdaku

8. Banay Labangon – Barangay Labangon

For the free interpretation category, the participants are:

9. Tribung Kamanting Performing Arts Guild – Municipality of San Jose, Province of Dinagat Islands

10. Tribu Mabolokon – Barangay Mabolo

11. Pasayaw Festival representing The Province of Negros Oriental – Canlaon City

12. Banay San Nicolasnon – Barangay San Nicolas Proper

13. Lumad Basakanon – Barangay Basak San Nicolas

14. Tribu Divinohanon of Divino Amore Academy

15. Tribu Masadyang Subanian – Barangay Suba

16. Activong Binaliwhanon – Barangay Binaliw

17. Tribu San Roque sa Cuidad – Barangay San Roque

The grand prize this year was increased from P1 million to P3 million for both categories.