Eleven Tips To Survive The Sinulog Grand Parade

​The Sinulog Grand Parade is scheduled to be held on the third Sunday of January. The Sinulog is considered as the festival of festivals and is the biggest fiesta in the entire archipelago. In fact, it was selected as the “Best Festival in the Philippines” at the Choose Philippines Awards in December.

Sinulog – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon

​While this year’s grand parade is shorter compared to last year, it is still expected to draw a huge crowd. Just recently, a dinner was feted for balikbayans arriving to witness the grandest festival in the country. The streets of Cebu City are expected to be crowded with thousands upon thousands of people hoping to catch a glimpse of the performances by different contingents coming from around the country.

Sinulog – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon

Amid the excitement and fiesta atmosphere, it is still very important to always have personal safety as the main consideration when you attend the Sinulog Grand Parade. The following are some things to keep in mind so you can survive the Sinulog Grand Parade:

Plan Ahead

Sinulog – image source: flickr.com

As what Alan Lakein said failing to plan is planning to fail. It is important to plan where you will pass and stay as well the things you need to bring during the grand parade. With the recent advisory that mobile phone signals will be shutdown along the parade route, it has become necessary to make sure you have a backup plan on where to meet with your family and friends. This will bring us back to the time when mobile phones were non-existent and people had to make sure they meet at one place at a certain time. It is also important to plan where you will pass after the event is over. It is expected that public transportation will not be easy to come by, so it is important to make sure you have a backup plan on how to get home.

Get Enough Rest the Night before the Parade

Sinulog – image source: pixabay.com

Since you are expected to walk and walk and walk, it is important to get suitable rest on the night before the event. Forget the movie marathon or a night out with friends if you want to survive the grand parade. Even if you bring your own vehicle, you may have to take a short hike before reaching the place where you will meet up with your friends.

Comfortable Clothing

Sinulog – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon

The crowd during the Sinulog Grand Parade is expected to be huge. Due to this you may have to wade through a throng of people as you move from one place to another, which means you should wear clothing that allows you to move freely in the crowd. It is also important to wear a comfy yet sturdy pair of shoes. Rubber shoes are best for the event since you may have someone step on your feet or rain may fall making some parts of the street muddy.

Leave valuables at home

Sinulog – image source: pixabay.com

The Sinulog Grand Parade is not the best place for you to show off the latest jewelries you got during Christmas. Your diamond ring and gold bracelet is safer when they are left at home. Remember, you will wade through a crowd of people and you would never know if someone already ran off with the bracelet until it’s too late.

Have a hearty breakfast

Sinulog – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon

Some people consider breakfast as the most important meal of the day since it essentially breaks the fast you had after sleeping. It is important to nourish your body to give you the energy to last the day.

Hydrate

Sinulog – image source: pixabay.com

While there are instances when rain will fall during the grand parade, you should expect it to be hot and humid as well. Due to this, it is important to always keep yourself hydrated. Always have an extra bottle of water in the bag before you leave the house. Even though water can be bought in the streets, expect the prices to skyrocket since the demand for it is high. So, you may want to fill up a water container before you leave home.

Go in a group

Sinulog – image source: flickr.com

As the saying goes, “there is safety in number.” While the Sinulog is an event where everyone enjoys the festive atmosphere, you never know when an untoward incident may happen. So, it is better to stay with a group of friends when you attend the Sinulog Grand Parade. Besides, it is much more enjoyable to watch the festival with your family and friends.

Be prepared for rain

Sinulog – image source: pixabay.com

The sun may be out during the Sinulog Grand Parade but it is still important to be prepared for rain. You will never know if the clouds will turn dark and rain on everyone’s parade.  To prepare for this, bring an umbrella. The umbrella can also prove useful to protect yourself from the sun.

Rest whenever necessary

Sinulog – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon

Even if you have rested well the night before, the Sinulog Grand Parade is a whole day event. Due to this, it is important to rest whenever necessary. In recent years, a one hour break was observed during the grand parade to allow the contingents to take their lunch. You should take advantage of this break to rest for a while.

Take Pictures

Sinulog – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon

The Sinulog is one of the most colorful festivals in the country and one way to keep these memories is to take pictures. So, bring your camera and take pictures. It is also the perfect opportunity to pose for posterity’s sake. 

Be mindful of your surroundings 

Sinulog – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon

​One last thing you need to remember when you attend the Sinulog Grand Parade is to always be mindful of your surroundings. You should make sure you keep your possessions safe. 

Sinulog – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon

​The Sinulog Grand Parade is one event everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. Keeping these tips in mind will allow you to ensure your Sinulog experience is enjoyable and trouble free.