CEBU CITY – More than five million people came to witness the Sinulog Grand Parade here on Sunday, Jan. 18.
The Cebu City Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Office said the number of revelers peaked at 5.2 million late afternoon with spectators crowding the city’s major thoroughfares for the streetdancing competition and the Cebu City Sports Center, where the grand ritual showdown was held.
Despite the massive crowd, no major incidents were recorded, said Police Lt. Col. Franco Rudolf Oriol, deputy director for administration of the Cebu City Police Office and ground commander of the more than 9,000 policemen who were deployed to secure the event.
Oriol said the use of security cameras, drones, and other devices helped the police monitor areas where the throng of revelers gathered. High-technology equipment was also used to estimate the crowd attendance based on land coverage area.
The attendance of several celebrities who rode on colorful floats attracted a huge crowd who lined up along the streets as early as 6 a.m.
“In the afternoon, the crowd grew bigger but it was manageable. We prepared for this. We were ready for any eventuality,” Oriol said.
As promised, the event ended earlier than usual.
Unlike in previous editions when the cultural show would reach past midnight, all 37 contingents were able to complete their performances past 7 p.m.
To shorten the festivity, organizers warned that contingents who will not make it on time at the assembly area will no longer be allowed to perform.
Emerging as the biggest winner in the event held in honor of Señor Santo Niño was Tribu Masadyaon from Toledo City, Cebu.
Tribu Masadyaon was crowned champion in the streetdancing competition and in the free interpretation category of the ritual showdown.
Toledo also took the best in musicality and best in costume awards in the free interpretation.
Sharing the limelight was Tagbilaran City, Bohol, which was crowned champion in the Sinulog-based competition of the ritual showdown.
Tagbilaran also took home the best in costume award in the Sinulog-based category.