The fluvial parade is one of the most popular events during the Sinulog season in Cebu. Very early in the morning, the image of Señor Santo Niño de Cebu, together with the image of the Our Lady of Guadalupe, are paraded through the Mactan Channel back to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño. The event is witnessed by hundreds of thousands (at the harbor) and is attended by hundreds of thousands more (on boats).
This year, I decided to once again cover the event. Unfortunately, I missed the actual passing of the boat that carried the two images. I’m not sure if I was a just late or if the parade actually started earlier than usual. I just noticed that while waiting for the light to turn green at the Robinsons Galleria intersection, I could already see the official boat slowly moving along the harbor. I tried to run after the parade and position myself somewhere in Plaza Independencia. But it turned out that that was a pretty bad idea because the place was just stuffed. Good thing I was able to find a smaller side road before the images were taken off the boat. Me and my bike would’ve been trapped.
View of the pier area a few minutes after the ‘galleon’ passed by.
The people were walking towards the direction of the parade. I decided to move farther away from it and find some short cuts to some possible good spots.
I don’t know how it happened exactly but I eventually found myself at the viaduct of the South Road Properties. LOL.
Traffic was horrible and I saw a lot of people parked along the road. I took the chance to take some photos.
I decided to investigate. And it turned out that the view of the fluvial boats below were truly a sight to behold.
Returning from the parade, the boats one by one returned to the port area.
Ok, let’s pause for a bit to just admire the beauty of SM Seaside City Cebu. Isn’t she lovely?
More boats returning to the harbor after the fluvial procession.
Coin divers taking advantage of the situation.
Here is how the fish ports of Ermita, Pasil, and Duljo looked like after the parade.
Below the viaduct, I saw this kid carrying two images of Señor Santo Niño. I was shocked to know that the water wasn’t really deep.
Below the viaduct, a small community was also celebrating its very own Sinulog.
Devotees making their way through thick garbage. This spot is the near the mouth of the river which flows straight to the ocean.
Onlookers welcoming parade participants back to shore.
Look at those boats! There’s probably more than hundred in this photo alone.
The number is quite amazing. But let’s not forget the tugboats, private speedboats, commercial boats, and other liners that also join the fluvial parade without fail every year. That’s how well-attended this event is.
Have you seen or joined the fluvial parade this year? Let us know in the comments below.