Estimated 3 million attend Sinulog 2024 in Cebu City

An estimated three million people braved the intense heat to attend the Sinulog Grand Mardi Gras at the South Road Properties in Cebu City on January 21, 2024, according to the police.

This is the second time the event was held at the SRP, which is a distance away from the city’s center. The first was in 2023.

In the many holdings of the Sinulog’s finale, which, for the longest time, was called the Grand Parade, the parade route was at the city center and ended at the Cebu City Sports Center where contingents showcased their performances in the ritual showdown.

At the old Sinulog route, revelers had easy access not just to the parade but also to establishments where they could get food as the day-long event progressed.

The SRP is a different scenario, altogether, as there is a limited number of establishments that are easy to access from the area where the Sinulog is held. There was, however, a dedicated area for vendors.

In the absence of structures that could provide shade along the parade route like in the city's center, spectators had to take extra protection like hats and umbrellas. Performers became more vulnerable to the heat of the sun in much open spaces.

Contingents

The 2024 edition saw 18 dancing contingents — nine participated in the Sinulog-based category and nine in the free interpretation category, including out of town contingents.

It was also the first time that Dinagat Islands sent a contingent to the festival through the Tribu Kamanting Performing Arts Guild. The group showcased the islands’ recovery from the devastation caused by Typhoon Odette, which also wreaked havoc on Cebu in 2021.

Another contingent from out of town was the delegation from Canlaon City in Negros Oriental.

There were at least 50 entries in the float category and 12 entries in the higantes competition. —GMA Regional TV