In the face of a series of calamities that recently struck Cebu City and the entire Province of Cebu, the Cebuanos have demonstrated remarkable resilience, courage, and a determined spirit to rise again. This collective strength was vividly on display during the vibrant celebration of Sinulog 2025.
The Deeper Meaning Behind the Celebration
Beyond the booming street drums, the glittering costumes of the Grand Parade participants, the energetic dances, and the overall festive atmosphere, a deeper, more profound meaning lay quietly beneath the surface. This was the unwavering faith and devotion of the Cebuanos to the Sr. Santo Niño (the Holy Child Jesus). The festival, derived from the Cebuano word "sulog" meaning water current, is famous for its distinct dance steps. Dancers move two steps forward and one step back, a rhythm now deeply symbolic of the community's recent trials.
The "one step backward" in the Sinulog dance mirrors the struggles endured by Cebuanos. These include the devastating magnitude 6.9 earthquake, the onslaught of Typhoon Tino, and the tragic landslide at the Binaliw landfill, which claimed numerous lives. This backward step represents a period of mourning and hardship for the people.
A Celebration of Faith Amidst Adversity
Some critics may question the timing: Is it right to celebrate amidst Cebu's sorrowful events? Is it appropriate for the city to spend millions on a street dance while thousands still struggle to recover from disaster? The answer, powerfully embodied in the festival itself, lies in the "two steps forward" of the Sinulog.
These forward steps signify that the sun will rise again after it sets. They are a declaration that the recent tragedies are not the end. They emphasize the critical need for unity in recovery. Visibly, the one step back is overcome by the two steps forward, a sentiment celebrated by Cebuanos during Sinulog 2025 under the unifying theme: "In Santo Niño, We Are One."
Moving Forward with Hope and Devotion
In their mourning, Cebuanos have shown steadfast faith and trust in the Miraculous Child, calling for divine assistance so that the victims of the successive disasters may recover. As Cebu strives to rebuild, its people seek guidance and grace from the Santo Niño.
With every shout of "Pit Señor!" (a contraction of "Sangpit sa Señor" or "Call upon the Lord"), hope springs from the heart of every Cebuano. This tradition has been etched in the hearts of Cebuanos since the Sinulog festival's inception in 1980.
The two forward steps in the Sinulog dance represent a renewal of hope. The celebration itself can be considered a significant first stride in the collective recovery journey of the Cebuanos. It is a powerful testament to a community choosing faith, unity, and forward motion in the aftermath of profound loss. Pit Señor!
