The vibrant streets of Cebu City are set to come alive once more as the local government officially reveals the lineup for one of its most anticipated cultural events. Seventeen official barangay and school contingents will compete in the Sinulog sa Dakbayan 2026, a major highlight of the annual festival honoring the Señor Santo Niño.
Event Details and Participating Groups
Announced on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, the festival is scheduled to make its grand return on Saturday, January 10, 2026. The stage for this colorful spectacle will be the Cebu City Sports Center, where communities from across the city will converge. Through the Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI), the City Government released the complete list of participants who will showcase their unique interpretations of faith and heritage through dance, music, and storytelling.
The competition is a beloved platform that brings together the diverse communities of Cebu City. It is more than just a dance contest; it is a profound expression of culture, creativity, and shared devotion. The following contingents are set to compete for honors:
- Banauan Cultural Group of Barangay Guadalupe
- Tribo Maampoong Baniladnon of Barangay Banilad
- Tribu Kinaiyahan of Barangay Santo Niño
- Pundok Luzinians of Barangay Luz
- Sinag San Roqueño Performing Arts of Barangay San Roque
- Aktivong Binaliwhanon of Barangay Binaliw
- Inayawan Talents Guild Cultural Dance Troupe of Barangay Inayawan
- Bag-ong Tribu Kasambagan of Barangay Kasambagan
- Tugbok Tejero Kultura Ensemble of Barangay Tejero
- Banay San Nicolasnon of Barangay San Nicolas Proper
- Tribu Bulaknon of Barangay Babag
- Barrio Basak Pardo of Barangay Basak Pardo
- Hugpong Mananayaw ng Bayan of the University of the Philippines Cebu
- Barangay Basak San Nicolas
- Lambo Mabolo of Barangay Mabolo
- Banay Labangon of Barangay Labangon
- Banay Talamban of Barangay Talamban
How to Join the Celebration
Serving as a thrilling prelude to the larger Sinulog Grand Parade, the Dakbayan event is expected to draw massive crowds. Each performance is a heartfelt presentation of local identity and deep reverence for the Holy Child. Organizers are actively encouraging the public to attend and show their support for their favorite teams.
Tickets are affordably priced at P200 each. They will be sold exclusively at the venue, the Cebu City Sports Center, starting at 10 a.m. on the day of the event itself, January 10. For those who cannot be there in person, the SFI suggests showing support online by liking and sharing the official contingent banners on various social media platforms.
The Sinulog sa Dakbayan is more than just a competition. As emphasized by the organizers, it is a powerful activity that fosters barangay pride, unity, and a collective expression of faith among Cebuanos. It is a testament to the living, dancing culture that continues to define the heart of Cebu.
