What Does Pit Señor Mean?

​“Pit Señor! Pit Señor! Tanan Mag Saulog!”

Sinulog – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon

​These are the words contingents shout out as they dance during the Sinulog Grand Parade. The Sinulog Festival is celebrated on the third Sunday of January. On this day, contingents from different parts of the country dance to the beat of the drums in honor of the Santo Niño.  As they dance, they shout out the all too familiar expression, Pit Señor!

Sinulog – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon

​Pit Señor is more than just an expression, it has a much deeper meaning that is connected to reason for the Sinulog celebration. The expression is a shortened version of the Cebuano phrase “sangpit sa señor.” The phrase means to ask or plead to Señor Santo Niño. It comes from two Cebuano words, “sangpit” and “señor.”

Sinulog – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon

While the expression is strictly not supposed to be used to greet other people, it has become a practice among locals and visitors to greet each other during the Sinulog season. The expression is supposed to be directed to Señor Santo Niño, The celebration starts off with a nine-day novena at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño.  

Sinulog – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon

​The expression is also seen on shirts, mall decorations and outdoor billboards. It has become ingrained into Cebuano culture that is has become an articulation of goodwill of people to others. Some are even shouting “Viva Señor Santo Niño,” which is expressed in gratitude for the blessings provided by the infant Jesus.

Sinulog – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon

“Sinulog (ha)
isyagit og kusog (ha)
Pit Señor! Pit Señor
Tanan magsaulog (ha)”