Not all may advance to grand showdown

CEBU, Philippines — Unlike the previous year, it has not yet been decided whether all 17 participants of the recently concluded Sinulog sa Dakbayan will have the chance to compete in the final showdown this Sunday.

Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival said they are reviewing the performances of the just-concluded Sinulog sa Dakbayan to ensure the event concludes by 7 p.m. as planned.

The statement came right after last Saturday’s event at the Cebu City Sports Center, where 17 contingents completed their performances right on schedule.

“That is something nga among gitan-aw karon… para makahuman gyud tag 7pm… Karon, we are done by 7 with 17 participants so most likely there will be some adjustments,” Mayor Archival told The Freeman.

The mayor emphasized that the goal is to let revelers enjoy the festival without becoming overly exhausted.

For Sinulog 2026, a total of 40 contingents, including over a dozen out-of-town groups, will highlight the grand showdown.

With the float competition also part of the program, there is a possibility of limiting Cebu City-based entries to only the top five or top seven performers from the Sinulog sa Dakbayan, as in previous years.

Additionally, float pre-judging may be held the night before the grand showdown to streamline the process, aligning with new guidelines that aim to prevent delays.

The Sinulog Festival is the Philippines’ largest cultural and religious celebration, honoring the Señor Santo Niño every third Sunday of January. (CEBU NEWS)