CEBU CITY – With a new mayor set to lead this city, a burning question immediately popped up.
NESTOR Archival (FB)
Where will next year’s Sinulog Festival be held?
Mayor-elect Nestor Archival on Tuesday, May 20, settled the issue once and for all, announcing that the 2026 Sinulog will be held at its traditional venue, the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC).
“The Sinulog will go back to the original place where it was conceptualized,” Archival told reporters in an interview.
“More people can watch, worship the Señor Santo Niño. We will bring it back to CSCC because it’s near the church (Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu).”
Under outgoing Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, the Sinulog was held at the CCSC this year. The festival was held at the South Road Properties in 2023 and 2024 when the city was still led by Mayor Michael Rama
Accessibility, practicality, and the festival’s religious significance are main reasons why Archival is opting to have the Sinulog held at CCSC.
“If in SRP, not all have cars to go there,” said Archival.
Archival added that holding the parade near the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño gives more emphasis on the event’s religious aspect.
The bigger space prompted Rama to transfer the Sinulog to SRP.
The move, however, drew mixed reactions as some spectators complained of heat exposure, the lack of shade, and limited access to transportation.
Sinulog is held every third Sunday of January.
As one of the country’s biggest and most attended festivals, it features a grand street parade, religious processions, and various cultural performances in honor of Cebu’s patron, Señor Santo Niño.