So you’re a seasoned traveller in Philippines and while all the ancient architecture and sunny beaches have been amazing, you’re now on the lookout for something fun, something refreshing..

Get in at Cebu’s Sinulog Festival!
Sinulog was just hailed as the “Best Festival in the Philippines” during the first Choose Philippines Awards held on December 1st 2016 in the ABS-CBN Compound in Quezon City. Plan your trip in the third Sunday of January so you can be part of the nation’s pride and sensation! Psst, be prepared to dance your feet off.

What is the Sinulog Festival?

The Sinulog festival is one of the most distinguished and colourful festivals in the Philippines that lasts for nine days! The major festival is held each year on the third Sunday of January in Cebu City to honour the Santo Niño, or the child Jesus.

In the Sinulog Festival, you will see the most colourful art, design and plenty of street dancing. Participants of the Sinulog Festival wear bright costumes and dance to live beats of trumpets, native gongs and drums. The streets are lined with people admiring the vibrancy, soaking in the festivity and of course, celebrating! Enjoy delicious bites and beverage at the food stalls too. Sinulog Festivals are also held in other parts of the country, but in smaller versions.

Traditionally, the Sinulog Festival is celebrated for nine days. The ninth day culminates into the Sinulog Festival Grand Parade that runs for nine to 12 hours! Millions of people flock to this occasion every year, a medley of not only Filipinos but also foreigners from around the globe.

So, the fun starts at the Sinulog Festival Parade, right?

Yes, and no! While the Sinulog Festival’s culmination is marked with the Grand Parade, the entire nine days offer a myriad of experiences rich in culture and vibrancy. A water parade called Fluvial Procession is held on the day before the Grand Parade.

My first Sinulog Festival experience was mind-blowing. The colours, the people, the positive vibrations — I’m sure I’m not to only one to feel insanely excited and alive!

I went to this event with an ex-colleague and her 12 friends from Philippines back in 2014. That makes 14 of us! Travelling with locals is the greatest privilege ever. They were the warmest of people and I was invited to their party boat with a full lechon (suckling pig), ice boxes full of beers and damn good party music. We were cruising out at sea with no destination except to reach the highest point of celebration.

Can you imagine though, the next day when all 14 of us were moving altogether during the procession? Naturally we were forced to separate while weaving through the sea of people. But everyone at the parade was full of love and hugs — we did re-group later but no fun was missed out!

Any advice for first-timers?

1. Book your accommodation near to the parade. We’d say get places near to Capitol, Ayala Shopping Mall, SM Shopping Mall and Fuente Osmeña. Most streets will be blocked off and the crowd is insane! It’s best that you can just walk home after. Also, it’d be wise to book in advance as the parade is becoming more a popular destination!
2. Arrive a minimum of three days before the day of Sinulog Festival. Most of the main roads will be barricaded and so your taxi driver will have a hard time getting you to your hotel. Chances are you’ll be drawing angry stares bumping into others with your bags.
3. Wear dark-coloured or disposable shoes, shorts and shirt. At its wildest, highest moments, the parade will be drizzled with paint drops, beers and water! Yes, expect to get wet and colourful! Make sure your outfit is comfortable too.
4. Protect your gadgets. Waterproof cameras and GoPros are highly advisable. Leave your branded wallets and bags at home, and get a good waterproof casing with a neck strap for your mobile phone, if you’re using it as a camera. I made do with a ziplock bag during my trip but it was quite a hassle to dance with a ziplock bag in hand (not to say, unsightly!)
5. Bring water! Lots of it! The weather is typically sunny and with the adrenaline and crowd, you’d probably have to hydrate yourself more often than you expect! Also, you’ll need it for the next advice.
6. Pack tiny plastic bottles of face paint! Dilute in your bigger bottles of water, poke holes into the caps and join in the party of colourful rain!
7. Stay vigilant. With all the dancing and weaving in between bodies, it’s needless to say you should be protecting yourself and your possessions. Have your valuables in front of you all the time. Avoid bringing a backpack, unless you’re carrying it the other way round — on your belly!