EDITORIAL — Don’t confuse one with the other

It’s that time of year again, by this we mean it’s time for Cebu to celebrate the Sinulog and Fiesta Señor.

Yes, those are two different things, although those who are not familiar may not know the difference, or might even use them interchangeably.

It’s best not to confuse one with the other.

The Sinulog refers to the events and festivities we celebrate to enjoy ourselves. This refers to the parties, the dance contests with costumed contingents, the photo and film competitions, and the like. We can say it is the side of this occasion meant for the enjoyment of man, although the themes of such dances and contests are religious in nature.

On the other hand, the Fiesta Señor is the religious observance of the occasion. These are the walks with Jesus and Mary, the pontifical Masses, the visits to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño to pay homage to the image of the Holy Child, among others. We can say it is the side of this occasion offered to God.

Note that it was the Fiesta Señor that came first. It became the basis for the Sinulog. It all started as a religious occasion before it developed a festive side for practical reasons. We also cannot deny the fact that the Sinulog celebration has helped to make the Fiesta Señor even more popular.

Along this line of thinking it would also be best to point out that the Sinulog celebration is not a mardi gras. Well, yes, it may resemble one, but a mardi gras --literally meaning Fat Tuesday-- was celebrated in France before the onset of the Lenten Season. The term later evolved into the general term used around the world to refer to feasting and merrymaking.

The Sinulog is not a mardi gras because the center of all this celebration is the Holy Child.

Most of all, the Sinulog should not be described as a carnival. While there is nothing wrong with the word itself, the term “carnival” has come to be associated with raucous and wild celebrations bordering on sinful behavior.

Of course, we aren’t condemning such behavior, as different cultures around the world have different practices. But it would be best for those not in the know to know what the Sinulog and the Fiesta Señor is and isn’t.