Sinulog 2025: Street parties, concerts, and liquor have been banned

The Cebu City government will impose a ban on entertainment, street parties, and liquor from January 18 to 19 for this year’s celebration of the Sinulog Festival.

On January 6, Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia signed an executive order banning entertainment, which includes concerts, shows, performances, gigs, events, or any activities which require using loud speakers and other sound devices during the Solemn Procession Route and Sinulog Parade between 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. of January 18 to 19, 2025. 

A report from ‘Unang Balita’ on Tuesday showed the EO strictly prohibits the conduct of street parties in any area within Cebu City on the said dates. 

The city will also ban the sale, distribution, and consumption of intoxicating beverages. 

“The sale, distribution, and consumption of any intoxicating beverages are prohibited within a three hundred (300) meter radius on both sides of the Sinulog Parade Route between 12:01 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on January 19 (Sunday), all in the year 2025,” it said. 

Meanwhile, establishments outside the area specified shall be allowed to sell intoxicating beverages provided that the sale and consumption thereof shall be strictly within establishment premises only. 

“Each establishment shall impose self-regulation and self-discipline measures within their premises,” it added. 

To ensure public safety, glass bottles, and other fragile containers are also not allowed for usage. 

The EO also requires the businesses and establishments in the area to make their restrooms available for the public, keep their CCTVs in full operation, and take responsibility for cleaning the premises. 

“Violation of any provision in this Executive Order shall render the individual, establishment, or entity responsible for such act liable. Violation of establishments or juridical entities shall cause the revocation of their business permit, while violation committed by individuals shall be dealt in accordance with law,” it added. 

Garcia said the city government will not impose a signal shutdown or jamming. The city will also deploy police and soldiers to ensure peace and order within the area.   

The Sinulog festival is observed on the third Sunday of January every year. 

Last year, an estimated three million people braved the intense heat to attend the Sinulog Grand Mardi Gras at the South Road Properties in Cebu City on January 21, 2024, according to the police.

Thumbnail photo: Joy Pastorfide-Roman

— Sherilyn Untalan/LA, GMA Integrated News