Every year since the Sinulog grand parade began under the initiative of the late former Cebu Customs Collector David "Boy" Odilao Jr., estimates of the number of attendees have varied wildly. Figures have ranged from hundreds of thousands to three million, five million, and even as high as eight million.
The Great Crowd Count Debate
One time, the late Henry K. Redula, bureau chief of the Philippines News Agency (PNA) Cebu, disagreed with the massive crowd estimates for the Sinulog, arguing they were larger than the entire province's population. He famously remarked, “In that case, is there anyone left at home to cook humba and bam-i?” Accurately counting the sea of spectators packed along the Sinulog's six-kilometer route is notoriously difficult. This challenge is compounded by the fervent devotion of followers who join the solemn procession of the Señor Santo Niño along a route exceeding five kilometers.
The clear reality is that people flood into Cebu City for every Sinulog. Attendees willingly endure long walks and detours as roads along the procession and parade routes are closed. The main venue for the grand parade has now been returned to the Cebu City Sports Center.
Business Impact of Parade Route Changes
Business owners along the original Sinulog route in the city center previously complained when the grand parade was moved to the South Road Properties (SRP) in 2023 and 2024. The goal of then-Cebu City mayor Mike Rama was to minimize traffic congestion in the downtown area. However, this move significantly reduced income for city center entrepreneurs as the crowds went to SRP instead.
In response, the Sinulog was brought back to its traditional route for the 2025 and 2026 celebrations. The full impact of this return remains to be seen, especially as Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival implemented a liquor ban from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM on the Saturday and Sunday of the festival.
Cebu's Resilience Through Faith and Disaster
Cebu has experienced numerous calamities over the years. Yet, the province has consistently stood strong and recovered from these tragedies. The most recent was the severe flooding caused by Typhoon Tino, which claimed hundreds of lives. This was followed by the collapse of the garbage mountain at the Binaliw sanitary landfill, which took at least 36 lives.
Despite the devastation of the floods and the landfill disaster, these events did not diminish the people's faith in the Señor Santo Niño. The enduring devotion continues to draw millions to the Sinulog, showcasing the deep cultural and spiritual resilience of Cebuanos.
