Reviving Roots: Sinulog Festival Thrives Globally from Maricopa

Maricopa residents gathered to celebrate the vibrant Sinulog Festival at Our Lady of Grace Church on January 18, 2025. The event filled the air with pulsating music and rhythmic claps, honoring Santo Niño de Cebú, the revered Child Jesus of the Philippines.

Sinulog is traditionally celebrated in Cebu, the most populous province in the Philippines, on the third Sunday of January. This festival serves as the centerpiece of the annual Santo Niño Christian celebrations across the nation.

For the third consecutive year, Maricopa hosted a local rendition known as “Sinulog sa Maricopa.” The event commenced at 6 p.m., coinciding with 9 a.m. Sunday celebrations in Cebu. Remarkably, attendance more than doubled compared to the previous year, showcasing a growing enthusiasm for this cultural occasion.

Adrian Sanguyo, a resident of Santa Rosa Crossings, shared insights on the significance of Santo Niño de Cebú. The figurine, gifted to Rajah Humabon by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, symbolizes the introduction of Christianity to the Philippines. Sanguyo characterized the statuette as a source of strength, stating, “We believe in something; he’s a magnet of love.”

In a nod to tradition, a reenactment unfolded with Queen Juana, the wife of Rajah Humabon, dancing gracefully while holding the Santo Niño figurine. This marked the origin of the Sinulog dance, an act of cultural pride and reverence.

The term ‘Sinulog’ derives from Tagalog, where “sug” signifies waves or currents, capturing the movement of the dance steps. “Saulog” translates to celebration or praise, emphasizing the festival’s dual nature of honoring spirituality and culture.

Benedict Diola, another devotee, remarked on the performance, saying, “She danced with the Santo Niño very gracefully. She’s giving pride that she has Santo Niño, and that’s how the dance came to be.”

The festivities unfolded inside the church hall, where locals participated in a reenactment of the dance. Afterward, everyone gathered outside for a potluck that highlighted the communal spirit of the event.

Participants contributed various dishes, from pizzas to lechon, a traditional Filipino roast pig. Laughter and shared stories enhanced the atmosphere, uniting the community in celebration of their “magnet of love.”