Gender-nonconforming dancers allowed in Sinulog 2026

Local

CEBU City Mayor Nestor Archival has approved the participation of gender-nonconforming dancers wearing women’s costumes in the Sinulog 2026 Grand Parade.

This will give contingents the green light to proceed with their prepared choreography and wardrobe less than a month before the festival.

Archival, in a letter dated Dec. 5, addressed to Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI) executive director Jojo Labella, said the city decided to allow the arrangement temporarily for this year’s celebration, noting that many groups had already completed major preparations.

“I am granting temporary approval for gender-nonconforming dancers to compete wearing women's costumes for this year's event,” the mayor stated.

He said requiring changes at this point would be “impractical and unfair” to performers.

Archival also said that Sinulog, while deeply rooted in religious and cultural tradition, should continue to reflect compassion and inclusivity.

“We must ensure that the festival does not become confined to rigid gender norms that may unintentionally exclude or marginalize members of our community,” he said. “Our shared faith calls us to treat all participants with dignity.”

Gender-nonconforming individuals are people whose outward gender expression — such as behavior, style, or clothing — does not align with traditional expectations associated with the sex they were assigned at birth. The term does not necessarily define a person’s gender identity or sexual orientation.

The directive comes as Sinulog organizers report that preparations for the 2026 festival are now 60 percent complete.

Councilor Dave Tumulak, member of the SFI executive committee, said contingents, barangays, and participating local governments have already rehearsed their performances, while the Sinulog stage at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) is nearing completion.

“Ang contingents nag-ready na, ang mga barangay ug municipalities nag-ready na sa ilang presentations. Ang stage is ready na pod — gamay nalang gyud ang kulang,” Tumulak said.

Organizers continue to work on raising additional funds after the Cebu City Government reduced its allocation for the festival from P90 million to P78 million to aid areas hit by recent calamities.

Tumulak said the private sector has stepped up to help cover the gaps.

“Mas nindot karon kay nitabang ang mga private individuals,” he said.

More mobile bleachers will be deployed along the parade route for emergency response and crowd management.

Tumulak urged spectators to follow guidelines and reminded organizers that parties should be held outside the parade route.

The Sinulog 2026 route will follow the same path used last year.(TGP)