CEBU CITY – All is set for the grand Sinulog Festival here on Sunday, Jan. 19.
HUNDREDS of vessels pass under the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway during the 460th Fiesta Señor fluvial procession on Saturday, Jan. 18. (CCLEX)
Authorities expect millions of revelers to attend as the Sinulog returns to its traditional venue at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC). The festival was held at the South Road Properties in the past two years.
Festivities will start with a Mass at 8 a.m. at CCSC.
This year’s Sinulog is the biggest in terms of the number of participating contingents. Forty-four participants signed up and will compete in the street-dancing competition and grand ritual showdown.
The festival will showcase 61 floats, 14 puppeteers, and 10 “higante” or giants.
The Police Regional Office-Central Visayas will deploy at least 7,000 personnel to secure the festivity.
Civilian anti-crime volunteers were also tapped to help enforce security measures while 32 360-degree security cameras have been installed on the 5.6-kilometer Sinulog Carousel for enhanced surveillance and monitoring.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement-Central Visayas will deploy K-9 teams.
The Cebu City Police Office will dispatch five buses that will serve as temporary custodial facilities for troublemakers during the event.
The CCPO will strictly enforce the liquor ban within the 300-meter radius of the Sinulog Parade route.
The ban started on Saturday, Jan. 18, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. On Sinulog Day, the ban will be implemented from 12:01 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The Sinulog Festival honoring Senor Santo Niño will cap week-long activities here. Three major religious activities as part of the 460th Señor went smoothly, including the fluvial procession on Saturday.
Last Friday’s Walk with Mary dawn procession was attended by at least 300,000 people. The Fiesta Señor kicked off with the Walk with Jesus procession participated by at least 160,000 devotees.