The Novena forms the devotional backbone of the festival, drawing locals and visitors from early mornings to late evenings. Each day follows the same rhythm, shaping a steady flow of worship before the grand cultural events. Here is the full Novena Mass schedule for Sinulog 2026, running January 9 to 16 at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño in Cebu.
• January 9–16, 2026
• Venue: Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, Cebu
Early Dawn — Quiet Beginnings
The daily sequence starts before sunrise with two Cebuano Masses at 4:00 AM and 5:30 AM. These early rites attract dedicated churchgoers who prefer calm settings and wide space inside the Basilica grounds.
• 4:00 AM — Cebuano
• 5:30 AM — Cebuano
Morning Span — Cebuano at the Center
By 7:00 AM, Cebuano remains the language of worship. At 8:30 AM, an English Mass shifts the tone for guests and tourists. The 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM Cebuano Masses return to the local language, keeping the morning strongly rooted in community tradition.
• 7:00 AM — Cebuano
• 8:30 AM — English
• 10:00 AM — Cebuano
• 11:30 AM — Cebuano
Afternoon Stretch — Language in Balance
After midday, the Basilica reopens its pace with English at 1:00 PM, meeting the needs of visitors and non-Cebuano-speaking devotees. At 2:30 PM and 4:00 PM, Cebuano leads again, preserving familiar cadence during the warmer hours of the day.
• 1:00 PM — English
• 2:30 PM — Cebuano
• 4:00 PM — Cebuano
Evening Close — End of the Daily Cycle
The last part of the day settles with a 5:30 PM Mass in English, followed by a 7:00 PM English Mass with traditional elements. This pairing gives structure to the evening and signals the close of the daily Novena program.
• 5:30 PM — English
• 7:00 PM — English with traditional elements
Devotion Before Celebration
Across eight days, the Novena sets a stable pre-festival rhythm for Sinulog 2026. It prepares the community through familiar language, orderly schedule, and consistent practice. As the festival days approach, the Novena completes its role by anchoring Sinulog in faith before the city turns toward grand dances, street events, and cultural displays.
