All Sinulog Festival 2021 physical activities, shows in Cebu City cancelled - Vice Mayor

The local government of Cebu City has cancelled all the physical activities and shows for Sinulog Festival this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, choosing instead to push through with them virtually.

In a briefing on Thursday, Cebu City Vice Mayor Michael Rama said that among the activities cancelled are the ritual showdown and street dancing for the Sinulog 2021, following the request of Cebu City Mayor Edgar Labella and suggestions from city government officials.

Rama said that the safety of the people against the threat of COVID-19 will be the city government's topmost priority.

However, the activities will still push through online.

All participants and contingents for the contests were urged to perform their entries in their respective places.

The Cebu City Vice Mayor also reminded local authorities to coordinate with relevant government agencies to strictly enforce health protocols in their areas.

Previously, the Cebu City government and the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño said some Sinulog-related activities will not be observed during the 456th Fiesta Señor to avoid mass gatherings.

Among activities canceled were:

• Penitential Walk with Jesus on the Opening Salvo
• Penitential Walk with Mary on the last day of the Novena
• Translacion or the transfer of the images of the Sto. Niño and Our Lady of Guadalupe from Cebu City to Mandaue City and from Mandaue City to Lapu-Lapu City
• Fluvial procession and the reenactment of the first baptism, planting of the cross, and first wedding
• Solemn foot procession
• Proposed Cebu Provincial Pilgrimages

The Feast of the Sto. Niño is celebrated in remembrance of the virtues of Jesus Christ as a child.

Aside from the traditional procession and Catholic masses, the Sinulog Festival also features street parties, concerts, singing contests as well as beauty pageants.

— Jamil Santos/LA, GMA News