As the 49th edition of the Sinulog sa Kabankalan festival approaches, the city is gearing up for a celebration deeply rooted in faith and tradition to the Señor Santo Niño, the city’s patron saint.
The festival, is set to run from January 10 to 19, 2025, will offer an array of religious and cultural activities that honor the Holy Child and reflect the community’s unwavering spirituality.
A cornerstone of the festival is the religious sadsad, which will take place on the opening day, January 10. This traditional devotional practice is annually held at the city public square, adjacent to the St. Francis Xavier Cathedral.
During the sadsad, devotees, carrying images of the Holy Child, engage in a heartfelt dance and prayer procession along Guanzon Street, marking the start of the festival with a display of deep faith.
The term “sadsad,” meaning “stomping of the feet”, symbolizes the physical manifestation of the community’s spiritual devotion.
In addition to the sadsad, the festival’s daily religious devotion will culminate through a thanksgiving at the city football field on January 19, 2025, offering devotees an opportunity to reflect on their faith and the significance of the Señor Santo Niño in their lives.
Competitions
The Sinulog sa Kabankalan festival is a local rendition of the “Ati-Atihan” celebration, which dates back to the 13th century.
It carries a significant religious tradition that not only celebrates the cultural heritage of the region but also serves as a reminder of the spiritual journey of the community in honoring the Holy Child.
Kabankalan Sinulog Foundation Incorporated (KSFI) revealed that the Miss Sinulog Kabankalan 2025 competition, will feature 12 stunning ladies, each vying for the prestigious title. The coronation night will be on January 16, 2025, adding excitement to the festivities.
Meanwhile, local dancers will also showcase their faith through dances and artistry as 7 groups compete in the Sinulog street dance and arena competition on January 19, 2025.
During the festival’s 48th edition, approximately 6,000 people gathered to witness the opening salvo at the city public square, reflecting the strong community support and enthusiasm for the annual tradition.
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, contributes to Negros Daily Bulletin, and maintains a personal blog on Medium.