The Sinulog Festival is a deeply spiritual celebration. And nowhere is that devotion more beautifully displayed than during the Fluvial Parade. My Cebu Photo Blog was there to capture the vibrant colors, the heartfelt prayers, and the sheer spectacle of this maritime procession.
Take a look at some scenes taken from Mandaue City, as I document this yearly event, surrounded by thousands of my fellow Cebuano devotees.
The gates at Mandani Bay opened at 4 am. But by the time we got there (4:15), the place was already filled with people.
Here is a view of the crow at around 5:30 am. Everyone had to stay in their spot until the parade began at around 7 am.
Fortunately, Mandani Bay prepared a series of cultural performances to keep everyone there awake and with high energy.
Before the start of the parade, the number at Mandani Bay’s baywalk had doubled.
Here are some devotees singing the gozos and waving their hands in unison.
Finally, we can see the boats approaching.
Devotees braving the early morning heat just to witness the Fluvial Parade.
Unfortunately, the ship carrying the Nino didn’t move close to where we all were.
Despite that fact, the people still stayed until after the Fluvial Parade was over.
Here is a Sinulog dancing posing for my camera after her performance.
And this little kid dressed as Santo Nino was super cute.
