• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
The City of Kabankalan will be celebrating its 47th Sinulog sa Kabankalan Festival from January 6 to 15.
With the theme “Sto. Niño Modelo sang Tingub nga Pagpanglakatun sang Katawhan sang Dios”, the festival will be highlighted by the grand tribal arena dance competition, with the participation of eight barangays and a fluvial procession of Senior Sto. Niño on January 15.
Kabankalan Mayor Benjie Miranda said the Sinulog Festival is celebrated annually every third Sunday of January.
The celebration of the Kabankalan Sinulog Festival is not just about merrymaking, but is a celebration of life and a commemoration of the blessings and protection that Sr. Sto. Niño has given, the mayor said.
“Floods, the pandemic and the downfall of the sugar industry challenged the best of us in Kabankalan. But despite all that, we still managed to get back on our feet, much stronger than the past and more united as a people,” Miranda said.
The celebration kicked off yesterday at the public plaza with a 5 p.m. novena mass officiated by Most Rev. Louie Galbines, Bishop of Kabankalan, followed by the “Sadsad” and procession of Señor Sto. Niño images at 6 p.m., blessing of images and children by Rev. Fr. Sabiniano Pinsoy, Jr., and a fireworks display.
Miranda delivered his message and declared open the 47th Sinulog sa Kabankalan during a program at the public plaza.
Other activities of the 47th Sinulog Festival include a float display competition with Miss Sinulog Kabankalan 2023 candidates on January 11, various sports tournaments, zumba party, intertown/cities dance show competition, pyromusical competition, nightly bands, as well as a Sinulog celebrity night featuring Vxon, Zephanie Dimaranan, and Viva Hot Babes-Maui Taylor and Katya Santos on Jan. 15.*
