Sinulog sa Topeka 2026 Achieves Record-Breaking Attendance in Kansas Celebration
In a vibrant display of faith and cultural pride, more than 500 members of the Filipino-American community from various states across the United States came together for the Sinulog sa Topeka 2026 festival held in Kansas, USA. This year's event marked a significant milestone, drawing the largest participation since the festival was established several years ago.
Overwhelming Response Surpasses Organizers' Expectations
During an interview, Cherryl Delacruz, president of Sinulog sa Topeka, shared her astonishment at the turnout, describing it as "overwhelmingly positive." She admitted that she had not anticipated such a surge in numbers, having expected around 400 attendees similar to the previous year. Reflecting on the festival's humble beginnings in 2011, Delacruz recalled when only a handful of people participated in the celebration.
"It's all for the glory of Sto. Niño. Having that large crowd is so inspiring," Delacruz expressed. "That large crowd, also honoring Señor Sto. Niño, the Child Jesus, is just very heartwarming and as a Cebuano that made me so emotional."
Festive Activities Highlight Community Spirit and Devotion
The Feast Day, celebrated concurrently with Sinulog in the Philippines, took place at Christ the King Church and featured a lively drumline and street dancing parade. Seven dance teams from all age groups performed from the church to the gymnasium, where participants enjoyed Filipino cuisine, including lechon.
Michael Obenieta, a pioneer member of the Sinulog sa Topeka committee, reminisced about the festival's origins in an apartment complex, gradually expanding as more families and friends joined over the years. His motivation for organizing the festival, even far from Cebu, was to provide his children with an opportunity to experience Sinulog while living abroad.
Obenieta also highlighted the cultural impact on his family, noting how his daughter-in-law, from an atheist background, has come to appreciate the tradition, describing it as an effective way to connect faith and respect.
Unity and Devotion as Central Themes
For Delacruz, Sinulog sa Topeka serves as a living testament to how devotion can inspire a community. Beyond the colorful dances and lively music, the celebration showcases community unity, regardless of people's origins or backgrounds.
"Our theme this year is 'In Sto Nino, We Are One'...I witnessed how the community or event brought together whether you are Filipino, American or other ethnicity. It was just a joyful expression of unity and devotion in a place that is very far from Cebu," Delacruz explained.
Extensive Preparation and Future Plans
The committee dedicated an entire year to preparing for the event, which for the first time included nine-day novena Masses held within the church. Both Delacruz and Obenieta extended heartfelt gratitude to volunteers for their dedicated service, as well as to families who sponsored and donated to make the celebration possible.
Buoyed by this year's success, organizers are already planning for Sinulog sa Topeka 2027, anticipated to be even larger and more vibrant. This ongoing growth underscores the festival's role in fostering cultural connections and spiritual devotion among the Filipino diaspora in the United States.
