My Digital Saranggola

Happy Fiesta Señor Sto. Niño!

The Feast of Sto. Niño (considered to be the patron saint of Cebu, Aklan, Zamboanga, Iloilo and some parts of Manila) is usually held on the third Sunday of the first month of every year. There are 2 festivals in these regions being held annually to commemorate the feast, namely, the Sinulog Festival and the Ati-Atihan Festival.

~o0o~

The Sinulog Festival (Cebu City)

The Sinulog is a dance ritual of pre-Hispanic indigenous origin. The dancer moves two steps forward and one step backward to the rhythmic sound of drums. This movement resembles somewhat the current (sulog) of the river. Thus, the Cebuanos called it Sinulog. The event is being highlighted every year with street dance competitions among delegations from other parts of the island and neighboring provinces. The Sinulog Mardi Gras is considered to be one of the grandest festivals in the Philippines, attracting legions of visitors from other parts of the archipelago and tourists from other countries as well.

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The Ati-Atihan Festival (Kalibo, Aklan and Manila)

The Ati-Atihan is a festival that consists of tribal dance, music, accompanied by indigenous costumes and weapons, and parade along the street. Christians, and non-Christians observe this day with religious processions. It is the mother of all Philippine Festivals because Sinulog Festival of Cebu and Dinagyang of Iloilo (held every fourth Sunday of January) are adaptations of the Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival.

"Viva" means Long live! or more accurately may he/she live.

"Pit" from the original word sangpit which is Cebuano for to call upon or to plead with.

"Senyor or Señor" are greetings that we refer to Sto. Niño.

"Viva Pit Señor"

Come join the fun of street dancing and revelry in praise of the Sto. Niño!

source: Wikipedia and Google