Of all the festivals held in the Philippine Islands all year round, Sinulog is by far the grandest and most comparable to the lavish mardi gras of Brazilian carnival. It is a nine-day celebration in the island of Cebu in honor of the Holy Infant Jesus or Sto. Nino. The celebration culminates in two major activities, the Saturday procession, where the image of the Sto. Nino leaves the Basilica del Sto. Nino, which is its home and visits His foster father’s in St. Joseph Parish in Mandaue City. It stays there for a night so that other devotees can pay homage to his Holiness.

The major celebration in the city of Cebu occurs the following day when the Holy Image visits His mother in the Island of Lapu-lapu. The grand parade, which is participated by major districts in the city and other areas of the country, begins. Participants, dressed in costumes of vibrant colors dance to loud drums beats while chanting Pit Senyor! Aside from the grand parade, which is the highlight of the event, other attractions are also provided for local and foreign visitors who flock to the city to join the celebration, among these are: bazaars that display memorabilia, trade fairs that showcase the city’s best products, street dancing and free concerts.