Sinulog Festival 2026: Schedule & Essential Travel Tips
The Sinulog Festival 2026 will be celebrated for approximately four weeks, from December 27, 2025, to January 23, 2026. The festivities will reach their breathtaking climax with the Grand Parade on January 18, 2026.
Sinulog 2026 Key Events Schedule
Here are the major highlights of the 2026 festival:
- Jan 8 – Walk with Jesus: A solemn dawn procession starting at 4:00 AM from Fuente Osmeña to the Basilica. Novena Masses begin at 5:00 AM on Jan 9.
- Jan 9 – Official Opening & Opening Salvo: Opening of the Sinulog Trade Fair at SM City Cebu. Opening Mass at 2:30 PM, followed by the Opening Parade at 3:30 PM.
- Jan 10 – Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan: A vibrant youth marching band and dance competition starting at 1:00 PM.
- Jan 15 – Walk with Mary: A dedicated Marian procession.
- Jan 16 – Festival Queen Coronation & Dance Crew Showdown: A grand showcase of talent and beauty starting at 7:00 PM.
- Jan 17 – Fluvial Procession & Fireworks: A majestic sea-borne parade followed by a spectacular fireworks competition in the evening.
- Jan 18 – Grand Parade & Grand Finale: The festival’s ultimate highlight! The parade begins at 8:30 AM at the Cebu City Sports Center.
- Jan 19 – Awarding Ceremonies: Announcement of winners for all competition categories.
- Jan 23 – Adlaw sa Hubo: The traditional ritual “undressing” of the Santo Niño at the Basilica, marking the end of the religious ceremonies.
Important Tips for Travelers
1. Traffic and Transportation On January 17 and 18, major roads in Cebu City will be closed, leading to extreme traffic congestion. If you need to travel between Cebu City and Mactan, or head toward South Cebu (e.g., Oslob) via the city, please plan your route well in advance or adjust your schedule to avoid delays.
2. Safety and Crowd Management The Grand Parade attracts massive crowds. To prevent loss of belongings or pickpocketing, we recommend using a front-facing crossbody bag and carrying only essential items. Be prepared to walk long distances as motorized transport will be restricted in many areas.
3. Alcohol Ban and Connectivity Please note that a liquor ban is strictly enforced around the festival venues from January 18 to 20. Additionally, mobile data and cellular signals may be jammed or highly unstable due to security measures. Plan your meeting points and offline maps in advance.
Refer : Sinulog Official Website
