Nostalgic Sinulog

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy this year’s Sinulog Festival. Since its return after the pandemic, last Sunday was by far the best and took me on a nostalgic journey with its familiar scenes. The sounds, smells, and sights brought me back to my younger years. It’s no surprise that many others feel the same way. The sight of a lively downtown area is something we’ve all missed over the past few years.

I still vividly remember how we had to walk from a street not closed off for the festivities. The main parade route seemed close, as the blaring speakers from various establishments urged my legs to keep moving. The sweltering heat tried to slow me and my companions down as we navigated the route, but the infectious spirit of the crowd watching along the streets kept us energized. I even had the chance to speak with some foreigners who were first-timers in Cebu. They discovered the festival through online platforms and wanted to experience it firsthand. For sure, they now have plenty of stories to share back home, filled with the energy and vibrance of Sinulog.

Then again, no Sinulog is ever perfect. Despite the organizers’ best efforts to ensure everything runs smoothly, there will always be challenges and critics. For instance, during the evening, some contingents decided to back out of the street dancing competition due to the unruly behavior of some spectators. Excitement got the better of them, turning what should have been simple courtesy into chaos. The crowd’s eagerness to get closer to the dancers led to pushing and shoving, creating safety concerns for the performers.

Another common complaint was the slow carousel route during the parade. This isn’t necessarily the organizers’ fault as well. Unforeseen technical issues, such as vehicles stalling or floats breaking down, can disrupt the flow. In fact, one float had to be towed off the route to allow the parade to continue. Performers fainting or becoming dizzy from heat exhaustion is another recurring issue. With the main program starting in the morning when the sun is at its peak, such incidents are hard to avoid. It is about managing your own contingent.

Yet, despite these challenges, the festival remains a celebration of devotion and joy. For the dancers, performing under the scorching sun is an act of reverence to the Child Jesus. For others, standing under the heat to witness the festivities becomes their own form of sacrifice. It’s this shared sense of purpose and faith that makes Sinulog special year after year.

We eagerly await the next Sinulog, knowing that the excitement and complaints will come full circle. If there’s one thing we can contribute to the festival’s success, it’s doing our part to ensure it goes smoothly. Good spectators know their limits and boundaries while also taking the time to enjoy the moment. Sinulog isn’t just about perfecting it for the media optics; it’s about the experience of a community coming together in devotion.