CEBU, Philippines — A Cebu City councilor is set to propose a virtual grand parade for next year’s Sinulog Festival instead of the usual mardi gras.
Philip Zafra, who also sits as chairman of the City Council’s Committee on Peace and Order, said participants could perform via online livestreams.
There would also be no dance ritual competition, he said.
Sinulog is a dance ritual in honor of the miraculous image of the Santo Nino.
The proposals will be submitted to the Sinulog Foundation Incorporated (SFI) and the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for approval.
Approved activities will be included in the official Sinulog lineup.
Once approved, Zafra said, he will ask the previous Sinulog winners to perform in their respective areas.
“Kun ma-approve ang atong proposal, atong awhagon ang mga nangagi nga winners nga mohalad og sayaw ug adto sila mosayaw sa ilang tagsa-tagsa ka mga lugar. Sa susamang higayon, ma-promote pud ang turismo sa ilang dapit,” he said.
He said security plans and other preparations were also discussed to control the movement of the people.
No more processions
To prevent hordes of devotees,there will be no solemn and fluvial processions.
A motorcade will be done instead. The route for the motorcade is yet to be finalized.
Owing to the pandemic, Zafra suggested that Novena Masses at Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu should be livestreamed to help prevent the further spread of the virus.
The 2021 Sinulog festival runs from January 8 to January 17. — KQD (FREEMAN)