Celebrating with devotees from all over the world, the Filipino Catholic Community in the Czech Republic danced and chanted Pit Senyor to celebrate the Sinulog Festival at the Church of St. Thomas in Prague on 21 January 2024.

Rev. Fr. Imman Noel Abellana, OSA, led the concelebrated mass to start the festival. A special blessing for the children, in reference to the Child Jesus, was also held.

In her remarks, Chargé d’affaires Indhira C. Bañares reminded the devotees of the significance of the Sinulog Festival and called on them to keep their faith and be persistent in their prayers in pursuit of a meaningful and happy life.

She also remarked on the rapidly growing community of Filipino Catholics in the Czech Republic as the economic migration scheme has allowed more Filipinos to enter and work in the country. To date, there are about 7,000 Filipinos in the Czech Republic.

At the core of the festival was a procession – a colorful parade of dancers and drummers, who were dressed in vibrant costumes, and a float with the image of the Sto. Niño. A re-enactment of the conversion of Filipinos to Christianity was presented prior to the rhythmic Sinulog dance in honor of Sto. Nino whose image was said to be a baptismal gift to Reyna Hara Amihan, wife of Raha Humabon, of Sugbu (now Cebu) in 1521 by Ferdinand Magellan after their conversion to Christianity.

Sinulog originates from the word “sulog” which means flowing water currents like the currents of the Pahina river in Cebu that also form the basis of the movement of the dancers while chanting Pit Senyor! END.