The dance ritual marks the Filipino pagan past and its transition to Christianity. It goes two steps forward and one step backwards, forming a sort of water wave. ‘Sinulog’ translates to ‘like the water current’, which is the name of the step performed by dancers in the street. The city of Cebu also hosts a grand festival in Santo Nino’s honour as the Ati-Atihan Sinulog Festival. Sinulog Festival ( Source)Ĭelebrating Santo Nino is a big festival in the entire nation.

You’ll also hear chants of 'Viva! Santo Niño!' and 'Hala Bira! Pwera Pasma!” during this celebration. Everyone is invited to join the drum beats with colored and happy faces. You don’t have to merely sit on the sidelines and enjoy the show- you can very well pick up your dancing shoes and be a part of it. The best part about Ati-Atihan is the indulgence of tourists and visitors. It is a celebration of Santo Nino (the infant Jesus) and starts with an opening mass in church on the third Sunday of January. The Ati-Atihan festival is one of the oldest festivals of the Philippines, formerly celebrated about 800 years ago. The Filipinos have a strong celebration game.

Every month and every city has its own vibrance popping out of their festivals for at least a week, nothing less. The Philippines is a very culturally rich country, with amazing and colourful festivals all year round.

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