Every year, one day before the well-attended Sinulog Grand Parade takes place, Cebuanos flock to the port area to witness one of the Sinulog season’s most important events. Right before sunrise, hundreds of thousands fill the ports of Cebu to witness a spectacle that cannot be found anywhere else. This event is the annual Sinulog Fluvial Parade or Procession.
Take a look at some photos I took during this year’s Sinulog Fluvial Parade. Pit Senyor!
I arrived in Pier 3 at around 5:30 am. According to the Sinulog Foundation FB page, the procession would start at around 6:00 am. So I knew I had enough time to find a perfect spot to take photos. When I arrived there, however, I was surprised to see that the place was already stuffed with people. Probably because this year, fewer port areas were opened to the public who wished to witness the event.
I knew that finding a different spot was impossible, so I stayed in the first spot that I found — right behind two ladies.
My spot was pretty comfortable. But then, the parade ended up starting at around 7 am instead of 6. A lot of things can happen in one hour. So by the time the procession was heading our way, two young kids (and their mother) had succeeded in squeezing past me and positioning themselves right in front of me. Haha.
Finally, the ‘galleon’ bearing the image of Sr. Santo Nino passed in front of us. The people shouted and waved at the Nino as docked ships and boats blew their horns to pay homage.
The main galleon was then followed by hundreds of small and medium-sized boats. This year, outrigger boats were not allowed to sail along the channel. A lot of them stayed in the water near Pier 1, however, to welcome the image back to Cebu City.
Unlike the galleon, the other boats were also not allowed to travel too close to the ports.
Spectators and devotees using their mobile devices to capture the amazing scene.
One by one, spectators left their spots and headed towards the direction of the galleon.
The galleon continued to travel as close to the piers as possible where devotees were waiting.
This photo shows the arms of one of the ladies right next to me as she was snapping photos of the last few boats at the end of the parade.
Watch this video of this year’s Fluvial Procession:
What do you think of this year’s fluvial procession? Were you able to witness it? Let us know in the comments below!
