Shepparton’s Filipino community will host its first-ever Sinulog Festival.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Shepparton’s Filipino community is gearing up to celebrate the Sinulog Festival for the first time on Sunday, January 19, honouring El Santo Niño (the Holy Child Jesus). The event promises to be a joyous and colourful occasion, showcasing one of the Philippines’ most cherished traditions.
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The Sinulog Festival traces its origins to Cebu, where it began as a celebration of faith for ElSanto Niño de Cebu. Over centuries, the festival evolved into a cultural and religious spectacle, marked by vibrant dances that mimic the flowing sea currents.
The name ‘Sinulog’ itself is derived from the Cebuano words sulog, meaning ‘current’, symbolising the dancers’ rhythmic movements.
The Sinulog Festival is one of the Philippines’ most popular events, drawing large crowds each year, including visitors from around the world who come to experience its pulsating drumbeats and colourful costumes. Filipino communities worldwide recreate this tradition, providing expatriates with a meaningful way to honour their faith and culture.
For Father Ruel Desamparado, who hails from Cebu — the birthplace of the Sinulog Festival — bringing this tradition to Shepparton is both a personal and community milestone.
Although Fr Ruel has been in Shepparton for only 14 months, bringing culturally meaningful traditions to the local Filipino community is a priority to him.
“I’m very excited to organise this celebration in Shepparton for the first time,” he said.
The festival holds special significance for Fr Ruel, who shares a deep personal connection to Sinulog celebrations.
He fondly recalled his mother, a crowned Sinulog Festival queen, performing her dance in Cebu praying that her son would one day become a priest.
“Participants pray in their heart to Jesus when dancing,” Fr Ruel explained.
“Dancing is a form of prayer.”
The Shepparton Sinulog group has been preparing for Sunday’s festival since May, and excitement is running high. With 50 dancers, a 15-member choir and an expected turnout of 300 to 400 attendees, the event promises to be a lively celebration.
The day will begin with a Sinulog dance at 9.15am, followed by a 9.30am mass. After the service, everyone will join in a second dance.
The festivities will conclude with a shared meal, where attendees can bring food to share or enjoy offerings from local food trucks. The event is expected to run until 2pm.
Nora McCarthy, Fr Ruel Desamparado, Joie Ngalongalay and Yolanda Cuizon.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
When asked about the highlight of the celebration, Fr Ruel said: “Seeing participants dancing and praying in the silence of their heart.”
The Sinulog Festival offers Shepparton’s community a chance to experience Filipino culture and traditions. Fr Ruel warmly extended the invitation to all.
“Anyone who wants to experience Filipino traditions is welcome,” he said.
The festivities will take place at St Mel’s Parish at 18 Hamilton St, Shepparton.
