Sinulog 2025: Arizona Filipino Community Celebrates Faith While Honoring Tradition
The Filipino Catholic Community of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church (FCCOLV) held the much-loved Sinulog Festival 2025 on January 19. This yearly event is a special tradition for Filipinos around the world, celebrating the Feast of Sto. Niño (Infant Jesus) with a day full of faith, dance, and togetherness.
This year saw a larger turnout compared to previous celebrations, showing the growing number of Filipino Catholics in Arizona, especially in the Phoenix area. This mirrors the rise of the Filipino-American population in the state. Families and individuals came together to enjoy this joyful cultural and religious event, making it a highlight for the community.
Photo Credit: Manuel Silfavan
What is Sinulog?
The Sinulog Festival has deep roots in Cebu, Philippines, dating back over 400 years. Its origins are tied to the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, when Christianity was first introduced to the Philippines. The festival began as a ritual dance honoring the Sto. Niño, symbolizing the Filipinos’ acceptance of Christianity. The word “Sinulog” comes from the Cebuano term “sulog,” which means “water current,” reflecting the graceful forward-backward movements of the dance. While the tradition has existed for centuries, the modern Sinulog Festival, blending religious and cultural elements, was officially established in 1980.
Highlights of the Event
The day began with the Holy Rosary, creating a reflective and prayerful mood. Guests enjoyed traditional and Sinulog dances, showing the rich history and faith of the Filipino people.
Some of the most memorable moments included the Bulaklakan Dance by FAMAZ Teens and the Sinulog Prayer Dance, where devotees held Sto. Niño images while dancing. These performances showed the community’s love for their traditions. The procession of the Sto. Niño around the church grounds was another beautiful part of the event, bringing everyone together in prayer.
The Holy Mass, led by Bishop Nevares and several Filipino priests, was the day’s main religious event. During the Mass, people held up their Sto. Niño images for a special blessing, symbolizing their faith and hopes for the year.
A Growing Filipino Community
The larger attendance this year highlighted how much Sinulog means to Filipino families in Phoenix. As more Filipinos settle in the area, events like this help preserve traditions and bring people closer together.
The event ended with a fellowship dinner, where guests enjoyed Filipino dishes and celebrated the sense of community that events like this foster.
Keeping Traditions Alive
Sinulog continues to bring the Filipino community together in a celebration of faith, culture, and shared traditions. It creates opportunities for generations to connect and highlights the importance of maintaining cultural traditions.
As the Filipino-American community in Arizona continues to grow, Sinulog serves as a reminder of the value of preserving heritage and passing it on to future generations. Viva Pit Señor!
Chikka Magazine is happy to share this wonderful celebration. We are proud to highlight events that foster connections and celebrate the cultural diversity that enriches Arizona.