Over 5,000 Filipinos expected at Sinulog festival

It's all systems go for the Filipino community which will be celebrating Sinulog sa UAE 2016 - the Philippine version of Mardi Gras - on Friday at Al Safa Stadium, according to the event organiser.

Sinulog, from the Visayan word sulog which roughly means 'like water current movement,' is a highly-anticipated annual festival held every January in Cebu City, in central Philippines.

The highlight of the celebration is a grand parade where participants, dressed in bright-coloured costumes, dance to the rhythm of drums, trumpets and native gongs. This will be the fourth time Filipino expats will be celebrating it in Dubai.

"Every year, we Cebuanos look forward to celebrating Sinulog," Paolo Alforte, head of marketing and promotion of 'Sinulog sa UAE', told Khaleej Times. "Cebuanos all over the world aspire of coming home to Cebu every January to celebrate Sinulog with their family and friends."

"This is the reason why we created Sinulog sa UAE - for those who can't come home, we want to make them feel that they're in Cebu even though they are here in Dubai," added Alforte.

The festival will start on Friday at 8am with a basketball championship. The event will last until early evening, culminating with a variety show, street dance competition and search for the Festival Queen.

There will also be a food and mini-bazaar, higantes (giant papier-mâché) - making contest, and singing contest.

Around 5,000 people are expected to join in Sinulog. "We want to have fun and we are inviting everyone, not just the Filipino community, to join us and witness this colorful spectacle right here in Dubai," said Alforte.

• UAE
• Dubai