The Sinulog Festival is set to return to its traditional venue at the Cebu City Sports Center in January 2025, with 35 cultural contingents from across the country approved to perform, a festival organizer announced on Monday.

Elmer Labella, executive director of the Sinulog Foundation Inc., said the committee finalized the list of participating groups, bringing the vibrant celebration back to its iconic venue after two years at the South Road Properties.

The venue change, which had drawn opposition from contingents, promises a familiar and festive atmosphere.

“The registration period was limited to a week to expedite preparations, including billeting, itineraries, logistics, and security arrangements,” Labella said in an interview.

The festival will feature prominent out-of-town contingents, such as the City of Kidapawan Performing Arts Guild (Cotabato), Antipolo Maytime Festival’s Bukluran Dance Troupe, Bais City Festival of Harvests (Negros Oriental), and the James L. Chiongbian National Trade School Performing Arts Guild (Sarangani Province).

Other participants include the Tribo Kamanting Performing Arts Guild (Dinagat Islands), Baile Filipina Dance Guild (Dipolog City), Kabilin Mindanao (Davao Occidental), and Zamboanga Hermosa Festival. Groups from Albay’s Tabaco College and Siargao’s Bakhaw Performing Arts Guild will also join the festivities.

Cebu City contingents, including Barangay Kamagayan – Landonian Tribe, Asian College of Technology – International Education Foundation, and Lumad Basakanon, will showcase their creativity alongside barangay-based groups like Aktivong Binaliwhanon, Banay San Nicolasnon, and Barrio Basak Pardo.

Eight contingents from Cebu Province, such as those from Talisay, Toledo, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, and Danao cities, along with Consolacion and Liloan towns, are also participating.

The return to the Cebu City Sports Center heralds a vibrant celebration of faith and culture, with dancers and performers poised to honor Señor Santo Niño with grand performances. (PNA)