The vibrant island of Cebu is set to host one of the Philippines' most spectacular cultural and religious events, with Sinulog 2026 expected to draw an estimated five million devotees, revelers, and tourists. The grand festival, anchored on the theme “United in Faith and Love,” promises a breathtaking display of faith, color, and tradition. While pre-festival activities began as early as December 27, 2025, the core weekend from January 16 to 18, 2026, is packed with major events that transform the heart of Cebu City.
The Sinulog 2026 Weekend Schedule
Based on the official calendar released by the Sinulog Foundation Inc., the festivities are meticulously planned across multiple venues. To help navigate the extensive program, here is a breakdown of the key activities for the main celebration days.
Friday, January 16: Send-off and Festival Queen Coronation
The official Sinulog weekend commences with deep religious observance. The day opens with a Send-off Mass at 4 a.m. at the St. Joseph Parish and National Shrine in Mandaue City. This is immediately followed by the Traslacion at 5 a.m., a solemn transfer of the Santo Niño image to the Nuestra Señora de Regla Parish National Shrine.
Novena Masses will be held throughout the day at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño. For the public, Devotee City opens at 10 a.m. at Plaza Independencia, providing a dedicated space for pilgrims to rest and pray. The evening shifts to celebration with a cultural show at Fuente Osmeña Circle at 6 p.m. The major highlights at the Cebu City Sports Center are the Sinulog Festival Queen 2026 coronation night and the Sinulog Dance Crew Grand Showdown, both starting at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 17: Solemn Processions on Land and Sea
Saturday is a day of profound devotion, featuring iconic processions. The seaborne procession of the miraculous image of the Santo Niño will grace Cebu's waterways in the morning. This is followed by a foot procession from Pier 1 to the Basilica at 8 a.m. and a historical reenactment at 9 a.m.
The afternoon features the central Solemn Procession of the Miraculous Image at 1 p.m., with the day's religious activities concluding with the Solemn Vespers Mass at 6 p.m., both at the Basilica. Evening entertainment includes the Sinulog fireworks competition at 7 p.m. (venue to be announced) and ongoing shows at Fuente Osmeña Circle and Plaza Independencia.
Sunday, January 18: The Grand Parade and Fiesta Day
Sinulog Sunday is the pinnacle of the celebration. Devotional activities begin before dawn with the Mañanita Mass at 4 a.m. at the Basilica. The Pontifical Mass for Fiesta Day, led by Archbishop Alberto Uy, will be held from Pier 1 to the Basilica at 6 a.m.
The undisputed highlight is the Sinulog 2026 Grand Parade, which kicks off at 8:30 a.m.. The streets of Cebu will come alive with the rhythmic beat of drums, spectacularly choreographed dances, and vibrant, elaborate costumes. The celebration culminates with the Sinulog 2026 Grand Finale at 6 p.m. at the Cebu City Sports Center. Awarding ceremonies for the Street Dancing and Ritual Showdown will be held on a later date.
The religious observance continues beyond the main weekend, with the Adlaw sa Hubo Mass on January 23 and Holy Masses scheduled through the end of the month.
