Festivals: Sinulog de Kabankalan

 

A Dance of Faith

Every January, the streets of Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, come alive with the steady rhythm of drums, vibrant colors, and synchronized steps that echo a story centuries in the making.  Sinulog de Kabankalan is more than a festival, it is a living expression of faith.  Rooted in devotion to the Santo Niño, the celebration reflects the history and identity of Kabankalan and its people, a journey shaped by belief, struggle, resilience, and communal pride.

Sinulog comes from the Cebuano word “sulog” which means “the current of water.”  It refers to the distinctive two-step dance movement of the Sinulog: two steps forward, one step backward, mimicking the ebb and flow of a river.  Sinulog then means “like the flow of water,” symbolizing the people’s journey of faith through life’s struggles and devotion to the Santo Niño.

Sinulog de Kabankalan thus honors the Kabankalanons’ conversion to Christianity and their enduring devotion to the Child Jesus.  Inspired by the renowned Sinulog of Cebu that dates back to the 16th century, and closely linked to the Ati-Atihan Festival of Kalibo, Kabankalan’s own Sinulog emerged in the mid-to-late 1970s and gained wider recognition in the early 1980s.  Over time, it evolved into a distinctly local celebration, one that mirrors the city’s history while fostering unity among its people.  In 2026, Kabankalan marks the 50th year of Sinulog de Kabankalan, a golden milestone that underscores the festival’s deep cultural and religious significance.

Sinulog de Kabankalan elevates revelry with purpose as it marks its golden 50th year of faith, history, and unity this 2026

The roots of Sinulog de Kabankalan can be traced to the very foundations of the city itself.  Long before it became a chartered city, Kabankalan was a settlement formed by migrants from neighboring towns.  Its name was derived from the bangkal tree (Nauclea orientalis), which once grew abundantly in the area.  Early inhabitants organized themselves into barangays led by Capitanes, establishing a strong sense of community governance that continues to define the city’s social fabric.

Faith entered Kabankalan’s story in the late 16th and early 17th centuries with the arrival of Spanish missionaries.  Christianization in Negros began through missions established in nearby towns such as Binalbagan, Tanjay, and Ilog.  Central to this evangelization was the image of the Santo Niño brought and venerated by the missionaries, a powerful symbol used to teach the faith and inspire devotion among early Kabankalanons.  This sacred image would later become the heart of popular religious expression and celebration in the city.  By 1622, the Recollect missionaries assumed responsibility for evangelizing the island, and Kabankalan appeared in historical records as early as 1630 as an important center of administration and spiritual life.  Through the efforts of Augustinian, Jesuit, and Dominican missionaries, Roman Catholicism took firm root, introducing not only religious practices but also traditions, rituals, and celebrations that would later find vibrant expression in festivals such as Sinulog.

From a sacred image brought by missionaries to the soul of Kabankalan’s devotion, the Santo Niño remains the enduring heart of faith and festivity

Kabankalan’s history is marked by both resistance and renewal. During the late Spanish period, the town became part of the wider revolutionary movement in Negros, culminating in the peaceful overthrow of Spanish rule in 1898 and the establishment of the Cantonal Republic of Negros. These moments of collective struggle and transformation mirror the spirit embodied in Sinulog’s powerful dance movements, steps that symbolically recount stories of endurance, sacrifice, unity, and hope deeply rooted in Kabankalanon identity.

The American period (1898–1946) introduced democratic governance, modern agricultural techniques, and new opportunities for growth in Kabankalan, particularly in the sugar industry. Despite later devastation during World War II (1941–1945) when Kabankalan became a garrison town under Japanese occupation, the people continually rebuilt their community. In the postwar years, rehabilitation efforts and the establishment of major sugar mills transformed Kabankalan into a center of agro-industrial development, paving the way for economic stability and urban growth. These milestones culminated in Kabankalan’s cityhood on August 2, 1997, under Republic Act No. 8297.

Sinulog, like the flow of water, embodies life’s rhythm of struggle and faith through its signature forward-and-back dance steps in honor of the Santo Niño

Today, all these layers of history converge during Sinulog de Kabankalan.  The festival unfolds in the city center, beginning with religious rites that emphasize its sacred origins.  Devotees gather at the Catholic church to attend Mass, light candles, and offer prayers to the Santo Niño.  The celebration then spills into the streets through grand parades, street dancing, and cultural presentations that showcase the talents of local artists, schools, and community organizations.

Beyond the spectacle, Sinulog de Kabankalan fosters unity and pride.  Visitors often praise the vibrant atmosphere and strong sense of community, while locals take pride in sharing their culture and cuisine.  Though crowds can be challenging during peak moments, the spirit of cooperation and hospitality remains at the heart of the celebration.

From sangpit, meaning to invoke, comes the cry that unites all:  Viva Pit Señor!

As Kabankalan commemorates 50 years of Sinulog, the festival stands as a powerful reminder that faith is not static, it dances with the people.  Sinulog de Kabankalan is the city’s history set to rhythm, a celebration where devotion, culture, and identity continue to move forward together, step by step, through time.

With the rallying call ‘pit’ which comes from the Cebuano cry “Sangpit” meaning to invoke, so “Pit Señor!” means “invoke the Lord!”  For each and everyone, we cry…

VIVA Pit Señor!

Article and video script by: Leezo Dionzon

Photos by: Paolo Correa

Video by: Grilled Cheese Studios