More on the Sinulog Festival
Posted by mom811 on Monday, January 19th, 2009
As a continuation of yesterday’s post: These affairs have developed into tourist attractions that widespread commercialism has threatened to cover up its religious significance. In Cebu City however, they have a commission (or a foundation? whatever) to safeguard that the spiritual value of the affair be not dimmed by the glitter of trade and business which naturally arise out of the popularity of the Sinulog Festival with tourists. This commission sets the rules of the behaviour, even the dress code, of the participants of the street dancing, which is supposed to be offered to the Child King. This has reduced, if not totally eliminated, tension which could be the result of smudging guests unreasonably with soot, or of drunkeness, or the like.
I could safely say however, having lived in Cebu for a good 18 years of my life (not to mention my college - five years in the engineering course - plus the two years following, teaching in the same college), that the devotees still compose the majority of the swelling population during the celebration days. Many have been granted their petitions especially when they dance before the image of the little King, or out in the streets to the beat of the Sinulog rhythm, as a fulfillment of a promise made at the time they have prayed for a very important and pressing need.
So therefore, let all our countrymen shout with joy, “Viva Pit Senyor!” All hail King Jesus! You have caught us with your sweet endearing smile as an infant, even as You are King!
Filed in celebration, my thoughts, tourist sites/attraction |
betchaion 21 Jan 2009 at 10:46 am 1“You have caught us with your sweet endearing smile as an infant, even as You are King!” - very true, and we are so blessed to have a very loving, humble and gracious King. Hope the religious significance of the festival stays.
mom811on 27 Jan 2009 at 8:22 pm 2Hi Betchai, it’s heartening to note this in Cebu, as majority of the people who attend the Sinulog Festival are devotees, and they support the efforts of the commission to prioritize the religious value of Cebu’s festival of festivals, as the Sinulog is tagged.
Thanks for taking time
the lighter side » Viva Señor Sto. Niño, Viva Pit Señor!on 12 Feb 2009 at 9:36 pm 3[...] oh, I have to cut this short, time to call it a day, see you tomorrow (More on the Sinulog Festival). Good night and God bless [...]