Sinulog vibe

There is no denying that we are feeling the Sinulog vibe in the main thoroughfares of Cebu City. By definition, "vibe" is a slang term for an emotional state or the atmosphere of a place as communicated to and felt by others. Unlike last year, the vibe came off as misleading due to the main event not being held at the Cebu City Sports Center. This year we are returning to the Sinulog that we have known for decades. It is something to watch out for, organizers say. For the first time, they have gathered over 40 dancing contingents that will complete the carousel route. Add to that number the floats, higantes, and puppets interspersed between the dances, and you can imagine a big, lively, and colorful celebration. It is certainly something to look forward to.

There are still issues that need to be addressed. The increased number of contingents means a bigger challenge for the city to accommodate these visitors. During the Palarong Pambansa, there was much hullabaloo about the portalets and the quarters where the athletes stayed. Despite the fuss, it seemed like a minor setback --nothing the city government couldn’t manage. What concerns me more is the traffic situation, which will likely resemble the December holiday rush. Roads will be filled with bumper-to-bumper traffic as everyone tries to get somewhere as quickly as possible. I wonder how fast I can move around as the Novena Masses will also start this week. It is nothing a Cebuano couldn’t manage, I guess.

I suppose that’s just how it is, and we learn to live with it. We’ve even learned to live with the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project, which continues to obstruct the once-beautiful Osmeña Boulevard. It’s not the same road I grew up with. I miss the towering trees and the center island, which used to serve as seats for spectators during the Sinulog. Now, they’ve been replaced with structures that are supposedly part of the project, but these may pose hazards to both dancers and spectators. We’ll just have to wait and see how it all plays out. If it were up to me, they don’t fit in with the whole festive vibe.

Every Sinulog must be grand, as it is considered the Mother of All Festivals. Now is not the time to sour-grape or hurl criticisms at one administration or another. There is no such thing as a perfect Sinulog. I just hope organizers have learned from last year’s mistakes and will address the issues raised. My experience every year is different, and this year might be unique as well. One thing is certain for every Cebuano and spectator who will witness the festival: it is more than just politicians running the show. When we return to the true meaning of the festival, it’s all about honoring the Child Jesus, who has brought countless miracles to us in so many ways. Sinulog is a testament of devotion, a beautiful mix of culture, art, and faith. Truly, it is an experience above the rest.