The government of Cebu City has officially begun its plans for Sinulog 2021 festival. The annual religious festival will happen from January 8 to January 17, 2021.

As early as October 3, 2020, the city officials with the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño priests, the Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI) were already talking about the route of the procession planned for Sr. Santo Niño.

The chair of the City Council’s committee on public order, Councilor Philip Zafra, stated in an interview that a motorcade would take place instead of the usual traditional procession. There will also be restrictions on mass gatherings and street parties. During the celebration of the Sinulog 2021 Festival, the image of Sto. Niño will be visible to the public via a motorcade.  The motorcade will travel over longer routes, allowing more people to witness the image of the Holy Infant Jesus.

According to the committee, the final and best route will still be carefully considered to avoid overcrowding and mass gatherings. The committee also assured the public that they will release full details until January 2021.

Although devotees are subject to restrictions, they still expect worshipers to congregate along the streets during the motorcade, increasing the possibility of them violating physical distancing and other health-related protocols.

“Whether it is a long or short route, we can expect people to the crowd and we want to avoid that. This is a time when people put their faith in Sto. Niño,” Councilor Zafra clarified.