MAASIN CITY (PIA) — After two years of subdued, restricted celebration of the feast of Sto. Niño because of the pandemic, devotees and visitors this time can look forward to a more festive atmosphere as the Sakay-Sakay festival will be back.
According to Lorena Acasio, city information officer, the city’s much anticipated counterpart of Cebu’s Sinulog is due to return on its regular date, the third Sunday of January, or January 22 for the year 2023, the activity led by the City Tourism Office.
The festival consisted mainly of fluvial procession and street dancing competition around the main streets of the city, as well as dazzling, creative display of giant icons dancing to the rhythmic beat of Sinulog, and colorful decorations of participating pumpboats.
An added feature for the festival’s comeback will be the “stories of Sto. Niño through Music and Dance” showing the child Jesus through singing and dancing talents of Maasinhons, according to Dainty Daling, assistant city tourism officer.
Those interested to join the contest are advised to submit entries on or before the deadline on January 10, or contact the city tourism office for more details through these numbers, 09164304958 or (053) 570-8097.
Other local government units whose patron is Sr. Sto. Niño also conduct tourism-related activities to capitalize on the high-spirited euphoria associated with the fiesta in an effort to attract curious tourists and religious pilgims, the gathering expected to generate vibant economic activity.
(LDL/MMP with reports from Dahlia Orit/PIA Southern Leyte)
