Sinulog 2026: Routes, schedule, reminders

CEBU, Philippines – Cebu is once again welcoming thousands of devotees, tourists, and festival-goers to its vibrant heart, the City of Cebu, for the grand Sinulog Festival and its highly anticipated parade on Sunday, January 18.

From colorful floats and festival queens to ritual dance performances and surprise celebrity appearances at Sinulog-themed events, attendees can look forward to a full day of festivities and exciting activities.

To help you make the most of the celebration, we’ve put together this guide to keep you informed and updated on everything happening at Sinulog 2026.

Parade route

The Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) announced on Thursday, January 15, that multiple road closures and traffic rerouting schemes will be implemented starting 4 am on Sunday, January 18, for the Sinulog Grand Parade.

According to the traffic office, the parade will start at the Cebu City Sports Center and proceed along P. Del Rosario Street to Imus Road. From there, it will turn left onto General Maxilom Avenue, pass through the Fuente Osmeña Circle, continue along Osmeña Boulevard, then turn right onto R. Landon Extension, before returning to the Cebu City Sports Center.

The CCTO said Colon Street would remain open for private vehicle traffic and that emergency lanes will be kept open at all times.

“Motorists are strongly advised to avoid the parade route, use designated alternative routes, and allow extra travel time. Commuters should expect traffic delays and are reminded to follow the instructions of traffic enforcers and all posted traffic signs,” the CCTO said.

The transportation office also urged festival-goers to check out the official map for parking spots during the Sinulog day, stating that vehicles found parked in unauthorized areas will be subjected to towing or wheel clamping without further notice.

Liquor ban

The Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) also said on Thursday that law enforcers will enforce the city government’s ban on liquor sales and consumption within 300 meters of the Sinulog grand parade routes.

The CCPO, citing Cebu City’s Executive Order no. 51-2025, said the liquor ban will be enforced from 6 am to 8 pm on January 17 and January 18. No liquor will be allowed along Sinulog assembly points, parade routes, dispersal areas identified by the city government and Sinulog organizers. 

“All business establishments, including but not limited to bars, restaurants, convenience stores, sari-sari stores, temporary vendors, and mobile sellers located within the covered area, are hereby directed to strictly comply with this Executive Order,” the EO read.

Based on the EO, failure to comply means that establishments would face administrative sanctions, including but not limited to suspension or revocation of business permits.

Schedule

Here’s a rundown of the events happening on the grand Sinulog day on Sunday:

• 4 am – Mañanita Mass at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu
• 5 am to 12 mn – Devotee City in Plaza Independencia
• 6 am – Misa Pontifical de la “Fiesta Day” at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu
• 8 am – Sinulog Concelebrated Holy “Fiesta Day” Mass at the Cebu City Sports Center
• 8:30 am – Holy Mass at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu
• 9:15 am – Sinulog 2026 Grand Parade Kick Off at the Cebu City Sports Center
• 5 pm – Sinulog Beats Live Party at the North Wing Atrium in SM City Cebu
• 6 pm – Sinulog 2026 Grand Finale
• 7 pm – Illuminight: Sinulog Drone and Fireworks Show at SM City Cebu
• 9 pm – AWESM Pyro Display at 3F Skypark, SM Seaside

– Rappler.com