EDITORIAL - It’s that time of year again

Tomorrow will be the official launching of the Sinulog activities.

Straight from Christmas, there is usually no rest for Cebuanos who are thrown into the frenzy of the Sinulog celebration and the Fiesta Señor.

It’s not just about having a good time among ourselves, the Sinulog celebration also happens to be one of the most popular festivals --if not the most popular -- in the Philippines.

It is also the best time we can promote Cebu to those outside the province and even outside the country. Apart from the tourist spots and attractions Cebu is known for, domestic and foreign tourists also come here for the yearly Sinulog celebration.

It would help for us to be on our best behavior even as we make merry. Yes, we can drink, but in moderation; party, but not too wildly; make noise, as long as it doesn’t bother others.

It won’t help our image with the rest of the country and the world if they see drunken revelers out and about, dirty sidewalks, and streets jam-packed with people who have nowhere to go.

Another thing --and this is actually the most important thing we must remember about the events-- is that there is the religious side of the occasion: the Fiesta Señor.

Just to clear things up, because these two ideas are often confused, the Sinulog celebration is the lively revelry we engage in to welcome visitors and have a good time, while the Fiesta Señor is the solemn observance of our devotion to the Santo Niño.

It would help for us to attend to our religious obligations and also remember to show respect to others who are paying homage to the Holy Child.

As we again observe the occasion, let us remind ourselves that while we are celebrating what has become one of the biggest festivals in Asia, we should also not forget that we are the cradle of Christianity in Asia.