Sinulog Festival Venue Confirmed for 2026
CEBU CITY – As the city prepares for new leadership, one question quickly emerged: Where will the next Sinulog Festival take place? The answer came from Mayor-elect Nestor Archival on May 20, who confirmed that the 2026 Sinulog Festival will return to its traditional venue, the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC).
“The Sinulog will go back to the original place where it was conceptualized,” Archival said in an interview with local media. “More people can watch, worship the Señor Santo Niño. We will bring it back to CCSC because it’s near the church (Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu).”
Reasons Behind Returning to the Cebu City Sports Center
The four-word keyphrase “Sinulog Festival venue confirmed” captures the essence of this announcement, which comes after several years of venue changes. Under the previous administration of Mayor Michael Rama, the festival was held at the South Road Properties (SRP) in 2023 and 2024. However, the outgoing Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia brought the event back to the CCSC for this year’s celebration.
Mayor-elect Archival emphasized that accessibility, practicality, and the event’s religious significance played key roles in deciding the venue. “If in SRP, not all have cars to go there,” he explained, highlighting transportation challenges faced by some attendees. Moreover, he noted that holding the parade closer to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño strengthens the festival’s spiritual focus.
Community Reactions and Festival Experience
Despite the SRP offering a larger space, the move previously sparked mixed reactions. Some spectators expressed concerns about exposure to the sun, lack of shade, and limited transportation options. These factors influenced the decision to revert to the CCSC, where attendees can enjoy a more comfortable and accessible experience.
Sinulog, celebrated every third Sunday of January, remains one of the Philippines’ most significant and well-attended festivals. It features a grand street parade, religious processions, and cultural performances that honor Cebu’s patron saint, Señor Santo Niño.
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