Souvenirs and Food items you need to buy in Cebu after the Sinulog Festivities

The Sinulog Festival is a large annual cultural and religious event in Cebu City that celebrates the Santo Niño, or the Child Jesus. The Sunday parade typically takes place on the third Sunday of January and features a colorful procession of participants dressed in traditional costumes and dancing to lively music. To get something as memorabilia, we are on the hunt for special souvenirs and food items we can bring home and share with our family and friends if they have missed this year’s Sinulog festivities.

Souvenir and Food items you need to buy in Cebu after the Sinulog Festivities

Days after the parade, Cebu City is expected to return to normal, with local businesses and tourist attractions open as usual. However, there may still be some residual traffic and congestion in the areas around the parade route. Additionally, some areas may still be decorated with festival-related decorations and vendors selling souvenirs and food items as gifts or pasalubong to family members and friends who were not able to attend the festival.

Cebu is known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse local produce, so there are many souvenirs and food items to buy after the Sinulog festivities. Some popular souvenirs to consider include:

1) Hand-woven textiles such as the famous “banig” (mat) or “patadyong” (skirt), and handmade crafts such as wooden carvings, shell crafts, and jewelry. Cebu is also known for its beautiful native handicrafts, basketry, and woodcarvings.

2) Local delicacies such as “danggit” (dried rabbitfish), “lechon” (roast pig), “otap” (biscuit), “dried mangoes” and “chicharon” (pork rinds). Cebu City has a lot of pasalubong centers that offer a variety of Cebuano delicacies and souvenirs.

3) Furniture products made of rattan, bamboo, and abaca. Cebu is also known for its furniture such as tables, chairs, and other wooden furniture that are made of indigenous materials.

It is also a good idea to sample the local cuisine while in Cebu, which includes dishes such as:

4) Lechon (roast pig). A whole roasted pig that is a staple in Cebuano cuisine and is considered the “best lechon in the Philippines”.

5) Ngohiong (Cebuano spring rolls). This kind of spring roll or ‘lumpia’ is a uniquely Cebuano take on the favorite street food. Made from strips of turnip or bamboo shoots rolled in rice wrapping and deep-fried, ngohiong is always served with a sweet-sour sauce.

6) Siomai (steamed dumplings). Although siomai is a street food staple all over the Philippines, its iteration in the Siomai sa Tisa restaurant in Cebu is said to take this dumpling to a whole new level. Like many other dim sum houses, the siomai here is served with soy sauce and chili garlic, but it is served very well.

7) Tuslob Buwa. It is another street food dish from the Philippines, specifically from Cebu. It consists of small fried balls of pork liver, brain, and other organs, that are cooked in a flavorful sauce made from garlic, onions, and other spices. The dish is typically served with rice and can be eaten as a snack or a main meal. It is considered a delicacy in the Philippines and is popular among locals and tourists alike.

Some of the famous restos in Cebu serve local food and delicacies on their menu. Keep in mind that many of these items may be available at local markets and street vendors, so be sure to shop around and negotiate prices to find the best deals.

Expect the city to still be bustling with activities as locals and tourists alike continue to celebrate the festival. There may be additional religious ceremonies and processions, as well as cultural performances, souvenir, and food fairs, and other events taking place throughout Cebu City. Expect also a large crowd since this is a popular event and more people are expected to flock to the area.

ALSO READ: 5 Must-Try Cebu Delicacies for Every Traveler

It is, however, still possible to get hold of these souvenirs for Sinulog and food items that can be found in Cebu, even though some areas may be closed to traffic or have limited access due to the large crowds and increased security measures. It is recommended to be prepared for these conditions and experience the best and most enjoyable food extravaganza in Cebu right after the biggest festival in the country.

P.S. Don’t forget to grab some colorful SINULOG shirts as gifts for family and friends back home. It’s going to be an amazing deal considering prices will be lowered or you might have a Buy 1 Take 1 promo on your last-minute shopping day.