Sinulog is a ritual dance in honor and adoration of the Santo (Holy Child Jesus). The dance moves two
forward and one step backward to the beat of the drums. These resemble the current ( Sulog ) of what was
known as Cebu’s Pahina River. Thus Cebuanos called it Sinulog. They say that sinulog, which is of pagan
origin, is the link between the country’s pagan past and it’s Christianity in the country. This became the
oldest religious in age in Cebu, City in the Philippines, and is connected with the beginning of Christianity
in the country.
Tradition say that, when Miguel Lopez de Legaspi and his men found the Santo Nino, the image was so
burnt that it was hardly recognizable amongst the collection of native pagan idols. The native Cebuanos
were not fully Christianized then and continued to believe in their pagan gods, recognizing the Santo Niño
only as another “anito” (idol). But long before the Portuguese navigator conquered the island of Cebu in
April 7, 1521, the natives were already dancing sinulog in honor of their wooden idols and anitos. Throug
1521, the dance was a small ritual by a few in front of wooden idols or before the Santo Niño. In fact, at the
Santo Niño church where the image is consecrated, only the candle vendors could be seen dancing the
Sinulog and making offerings.
The celebration begins with the nine days novena prayer. The ceremonies begin with an early pluvial
parade re-enacting the coming of the Spaniards. The Holy Mass and procession follows with the people
dancing to the distinctive Sinulog rhythm while holding the image of Santo Niño aloft. Celebration
attracts many devotees in some churches in the Philippines.
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