Through the Lens
Macao Magazine visual journeys
![The queen of the Debutantes de Macau dance troupe poses for a portrait before the start of the Sinulog procession The queen of the Debutantes de Macau dance troupe poses for a portrait before the start of the Sinulog procession](http://macaomagazine.net/wp-content/plugins/revslider/public/assets/assets/dummy.png)
![A colourful procession, featuring performers, devotees and members of the Philippine community, is the heart of the Sinulog Festival A colourful procession, featuring performers, devotees and members of the Philippine community, is the heart of the Sinulog Festival](http://macaomagazine.net/wp-content/plugins/revslider/public/assets/assets/dummy.png)
![The National Philippine Guardians Incorporated dance troupe concludes its performance at Sinulog The National Philippine Guardians Incorporated dance troupe concludes its performance at Sinulog](http://macaomagazine.net/wp-content/plugins/revslider/public/assets/assets/dummy.png)
![A member of the Orient Premier Tribe dance troupe arranges the hair of the group’s queen before festivities begin A member of the Orient Premier Tribe dance troupe arranges the hair of the group’s queen before festivities begin](http://macaomagazine.net/wp-content/plugins/revslider/public/assets/assets/dummy.png)
![A member of the National Philippine Guardians Incorporated dance troupe checks herself in a mirror before performing at Sinulog A member of the National Philippine Guardians Incorporated dance troupe checks herself in a mirror before performing at Sinulog](http://macaomagazine.net/wp-content/plugins/revslider/public/assets/assets/dummy.png)
![Vibrant dancers in costumes move in unison, their spirits high as they honor the Santo Niño Vibrant dancers in costumes move in unison, their spirits high as they honor the Santo Niño](http://macaomagazine.net/wp-content/plugins/revslider/public/assets/assets/dummy.png)
![The queen of the Orient Premier Tribe dance troupe swoons as her group finishes its performance at Sinulog 2024 The queen of the Orient Premier Tribe dance troupe swoons as her group finishes its performance at Sinulog 2024](http://macaomagazine.net/wp-content/plugins/revslider/public/assets/assets/dummy.png)
![Clad in a kaleidoscope of colours, a devoted dancer holds up the sacred figure of the Infant Jesus Clad in a kaleidoscope of colours, a devoted dancer holds up the sacred figure of the Infant Jesus](http://macaomagazine.net/wp-content/plugins/revslider/public/assets/assets/dummy.png)
![Colourfully dressed Sinulog performers are seen against the unmistakable backdrop of Macao’s skyline Colourfully dressed Sinulog performers are seen against the unmistakable backdrop of Macao’s skyline](http://macaomagazine.net/wp-content/plugins/revslider/public/assets/assets/dummy.png)
![Two members of the Sinulog Festival’s organising committee help carry a litter with a figure of the Infant Jesus through the streets of Macao Two members of the Sinulog Festival’s organising committee help carry a litter with a figure of the Infant Jesus through the streets of Macao](http://macaomagazine.net/wp-content/plugins/revslider/public/assets/assets/dummy.png)
![Members smile exuberantly as they perform at Sinulog Members smile exuberantly as they perform at Sinulog](http://macaomagazine.net/wp-content/plugins/revslider/public/assets/assets/dummy.png)
![The queen of Orient Premier Tribe dance troupe holds a small statue of the Infant Jesus as she leads her group in a performance The queen of Orient Premier Tribe dance troupe holds a small statue of the Infant Jesus as she leads her group in a performance](http://macaomagazine.net/wp-content/plugins/revslider/public/assets/assets/dummy.png)
![The Sinulog Festival parades a revered icon of the Santo Niño, or the Child Jesus, through the thoroughfares of Macao, immersing participants and onlookers alike in a vibrant cultural spectacle The Sinulog Festival parades a revered icon of the Santo Niño, or the Child Jesus, through the thoroughfares of Macao, immersing participants and onlookers alike in a vibrant cultural spectacle](http://macaomagazine.net/wp-content/plugins/revslider/public/assets/assets/dummy.png)
A showcase of Philippine culture and piety
The vibrant Sinulog Festival, a celebration of the Child Jesus (Santo Niño) by Filipinos, peaks on the third Sunday of January, with this year’s event falling on 21 January. Originating in Cebu City, Sinulog is marked by processions and dance rituals worldwide, including in Macao, where locals maintain ties to their faith and roots.
Post-pandemic, the festival resumed vibrantly in Macao, starting with Mass at Saint Augustine’s Church and culminating in a dance contest at Praça da Amizade with five groups, including Bisdak Macau Association, competing fervently despite their busy schedules. The Orient Premier Tribe triumphed as this year’s champion of the dance competition.
Leading up to the event, the esteemed Santo Niño statue, darkened perhaps by centuries of candle smoke and bestowed by Fernão de Magalhães in 1521, was honoured at Saint Augustine’s. This 16th-century Christian icon, a 12-inch Flemish-style statuette richly dressed and regaled, is now carefully protected behind bulletproof glass within its chapel in the Basilica del Santo Niño, serving as the cherished emblem for the annual Sinulog Festival, a symbol of Filipino culture and devotion.