Youth Devotion Through The Sinulog Sa Barangay

​The Sinulog Festival is the biggest festival in the country. The Sinulog Grand Parade is the highlight of the festival, which is celebrated in January of every year. While most of the contingents of the grand parade are college students and some young professionals, elementary and high school students are also given the opportunity to show their devotion to the Sto. Niño. They are given this chance through the Sinulog sa Barangay,

Sinulog sa Barangay – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon

Sinulog sa Kabataan

Before the Sinulog sa Barangay became one of the activities of the Sinulog Festival, there was the Sinulog sa Kabataan. This was a school-based event where students from different public schools in Cebu were given the chance to dance for the Sto. Niño. But, this event was canceled since preparations for the event disrupted classes since the students who participated in the event would stay after school to practice. The practices would disturb night classes in the schools. Another reason for the cancellation was the expenses the schools incurred in preparing for the event. But, the event was replaced with the community-based Sinulog sa Barangay.

Sinulog sa Kabataan – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon

Sinulog sa Barangay

The Sinulog Festival in 2017 marked the first time the Sinulog sa Barangay was held. A number of barangays in Cebu City joined the event, including Barangay Labangon, Barangay Basak San Nicolas, and Barangay Guadalupe, among others. The event also served as a test run for the Sinulog Grand Parade. While rain was noted during the first Sinulog sa Barangay, the organizers considered the event a success. All barangays that participated in the Sinulog sa Barangay were asked to join the grand parade. 

Sinulog sa Barangay – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon

Winners of the Sinulog sa Barangay

Lumad Basakanon won the street dancing category of the Sinulog sa Barangay while Banay Labangon came in second place. The ritual showdown category saw the two barangays changing paces with Banay Labangon coming in first and Lumad Basakanon placing second. Banay Labangon also won in the musicality category of the event while Lumad Basakanon won the best in costume. 

Sinulog sa Barangay – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon

​While adults have the chance to show their love for the Sto. Niño through the Sinulog Grand Parade, the Sinulog sa Barangay focuses on the young ones. The event gives them the same opportunity to show their devotion to the Holy Child through dance. 

Sinulog sa Barangay – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon

​Have you watched the Sinulog sa Barangay already? Tell us about the experience on the comments section below.