Cancelling Sinulog

Everyone from Cebu knows that the next event after New Year’s Day is the Sinulog festival. It’s a cultural event that coincides with the Fiesta Señor, in celebration of the feast of the Child Jesus more known as Señor Sto. Niño. Even if I’m not Catholic, the Sinulog defined me as a Cebuana. You couldn’t be truly from Cebu if you don’t have an idea what it’s like to experience the Sinulog.

But we are in a pandemic, everyone knows that. Gathering people in one place will only increase the risk of the viral infection. That is why, the regional interagency task force on new and emerging disease is keen on postponing the event until there are developments in warding off the virus. However, the Sinulog foundation along with its stakeholders have decided to push through but on a more downscaled version.

It could be doable, yes, but it only gives false hopes to those who love the religious and festive aspects of the whole celebration. Why? Because it is a big risk as it could be a reason why there may be increase in the number of cases.  Good that physical and outdoor events are cancelled but there is still a reason to converge: Novena masses are allowed but with limited number of people coming in and performances are being shot by a production team.

I would rather go for foregoing everything and allocating the budget to other items that we need at the moment, such as an additional amount on top of the P500 million that the city is setting aside for vaccines. Cancelling the Sinulog altogether doesn’t make one less of a devotee to the Child Jesus. I see it as a matter of respect to the many families who wouldn’t want their loved ones to take risks. Also, it is not anti-Christian to cancel such cultural events. It’s even a favor to safeguard others.

While going virtual is the key, I am still a bit skeptic on how things are going to turn out. Yes, protocols may be in place but we never know the odds and the chances. The city must be on their toes now the number of cases in the city are reaching the double digits again. Are we ready for another lockdown? Probably not.

There is always a time and place for the Sinulog. It can wait, but the transmission of this virus cannot. We can always take a look back and prepare for what is to come by this year. Exciting times ahead, but not excited to be in party mode.