Filipinos join Sinulog Festival at Tap Seac Square

While millions of people poured out onto the streets of the Philippine capital Manila to celebrate an outdoor Mass with Pope Francis yesterday, the Filipino migrants in Macau likewise gathered together to celebrate Sinulog Festival in honor of Santo Niño, the Child Jesus.
According to Fr. Agustin Dajac Dutu, one of the three founders of the local event, the celebration has entered its 15th year. Over two thousand people attended the religious activities, including a Mass held at St. Lazarus Church, a free lunch open to the public at Tap Seac Square, a procession of bands and dance troupes, as well as a thematic performance competition.
“We Filipinos are very spiritual people, so we have many celebrations like this back in the Philippines,” the Catholic missionary explained to the Times. “This is part of our culture. Especially for the people who can’t go back to the Philippines, they are very happy to have this celebration in Macau.”
Simulating a river current-like movement by stepping forward and backward, the ritual Sinulog dance showcased street dancers in bright colored costumes dancing to the rhythm of drums and gongs while carrying statuettes of the Child Jesus. The procession and performances gradually attracted a large crowd to gather and watch.
According to the organizer – Santo Niño de Cebu in Macao Association – the annual Sinulog Festival has become the biggest Filipino event in Macau to commemorate the Filipino nation’s four hundred years of Christianity.
“About eighty percent of the participants are the Filipinos. This celebration brings us together in the community as a family, so this unites us not only as migrants, not only as Filipinos, but as children of God. So this is an expression of our love and faith in God,” said Fr. Dutu, adding that religious faith has been a pillar in the lives of Filipino migrants and supported them through times of difficulty. BY