The Sinulog is a festival held in honor of the Sto. Nino (Holy Child). The celebrations origin lie in the island of Cebu, located in the southern part of the Philippines Islands. Explorer Ferdinand Magellan brought the statue of the infant Jesus and later presented as a gift to the Rajah's wife, Queen Juana. Tradition says that when Magellan gave the image to Queen Juana, the natives started to move their hands and shuffle their feet, hence, dancing defines the celebration. The ceremonies in Cebu begin with an early morning fluvial parade, re-enacting the coming of the Spaniards. The Holy Mass and the Sinulog procession followed with the people dancing to the distinctive sinulog rhythm while holding the images of the Sto. Nino. Today, the sinulog has exploded in popularity. It is now an eagerly anticipated annual gala in the city of Cebu. Various categories have been developed for artistic competition. Worldwide interest has continued to grow steadily as Filipinos and foreigners alike flood the city every year to witness the spectacle event. It is a celebration of thanksgiving, intercession, petition and adoration of the child-king who has touched many lives.

Sinulog is a prayer dance performed before the image of the Sto. Nino. The word is derived from a ritual that features a peculiar beat and body movement that stimulates a sulog (cebuano for "river current"). The dancers basically takes two steps forward, then once step back. The dance continues to be performed today in the patio of the church of Sto. Nino in Cebu City, notably by candle dancing talent. The most elaborate rendition of the dance is performed with much pageantry to the beat of drums by groups of worshippers, pilgrims, and revellers at the annual Sinulog Festival, a Mardi Gras-style celebration culminating on the feast day of the Sto. Nino.

The festival attracts curious tourist as well as pious pilgrims from the many islands surrounding Cebu. Along with sinulog dancing, the week-long celebration features processions, fireworks, cultural presentations, a carnival, cockfights, and much merrymaking.