The vibrant streets of Cebu echoed with drumbeats and prayers as the Sinulog Grand Parade 2026 culminated on January 18, crowning its most outstanding performers. The annual festival, a profound display of faith and cultural artistry, saw contingents from across the nation compete in various categories, with Tagbilaran City, Bohol, and Toledo City, Cebu claiming the top honors in the prestigious ritual showdowns.
Ritual Showdown Champions Crowned
In the fiercely contested Sinulog-Based Ritual Showdown, the contingent from Tagbilaran City was declared champion. They were followed by the Municipality of Dumanjug in second place and the City of Carcar in third. Banay Labangon and the City of Mandaue secured the fourth and fifth positions, respectively.
The Free Interpretation Ritual Showdown category witnessed the spectacular performance of Toledo City, which earned them the champion title. The Province of Cotabato took second place, with Hudyaka sa Bais, Lambo Mabolo, and Tribu Carmenanon finishing third, fourth, and fifth.
Dominant Performances Across Categories
Toledo City continued its winning streak by also securing the championship in the Best in Street Dancing category. The City of Carcar placed second, while the Province of Cotabato, Lumad Basakanon, and Hudyaka sa Bais rounded out the top five.
Excellence in musicality and costume design was also celebrated. Tagbilaran City and Toledo City won the Best in Musicality titles for Sinulog-Based and Free Interpretation, respectively. For costumes, Banay Labangon won for Sinulog-Based, and Toledo City again triumphed in the Free Interpretation category.
Other Award Highlights
The parade also featured competitions for individual performers and floats. In the puppeteers' category, Christian Ermac won first place, followed by Ryan Cuyos and Angelic Marie Aranas. For the float competition, IPI (F-01) claimed the top spot, with Bellshayce Foods Inc. (F-11) and Manila Bankers Assurance (F-08) taking second and third.
The Sinulog Grand Parade 2026 successfully upheld its tradition as a majestic fusion of devotion and cultural spectacle. The event not only honored the Santo Niño but also showcased the incredible talent, creativity, and deep-seated faith of Filipino communities from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
