The chant that echoed as Indiana’s Filipino community celebrated the Sto. Niño Feast Day
“Tayo ng Mag-Sinulog! Tayo ng Mag-Pit Señor!” — the familiar chant rang out as Filipino families gathered to celebrate the Sinulog Festival in honor of Sto. Niño de Cebu.
Originally scheduled for January 25, 2026, the celebration was moved to February 1, 2026 after a snowstorm swept across Indiana and neighboring states. Despite the change, the spirit of Sinulog could not be stopped. Filipinos from across the state gathered joyfully at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Center, coming together to honor one of the most beloved traditions of Filipino Catholic life.
The celebration began with a Holy Mass, followed by a solemn procession honoring the Sto. Niño, the Child Jesus so deeply loved by Filipinos. Afterward, the community shared joyful fellowship over Filipino food prepared by vendors from across Indiana. Laughter, prayer, and shared meals filled the day — and no Filipino gathering would be complete without karaoke, which brought out the community’s famous love for music and joyful expression.
No matter where Filipinos go in the world, faith and culture remain inseparable. As Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle once said, Filipinos are truly “smugglers of faith and culture,” carrying both wherever they live. The Sinulog celebration reflected this truth — not only in Indianapolis, but also across Indiana, including the Diocese of Gary, Greater Lafayette, Fort Wayne, and even in Filipino homes where families gathered to honor the Sto. Niño.
Dr. Ninna Solito, a physician from Cebu now living in Indianapolis, shared insights into the deep roots of Sto. Niño devotion across the Philippines:
Sinulog of Cebu – When Ferdinand Magellan struggled to introduce Christianity to the native people, the gift of the Sto. Niño to the queen changed everything. Her love for the Baby Jesus led to widespread conversion. To this day, the Sto. Niño can be seen not only in churches but also in government buildings, police stations, and even the capitol.
Dinagyang of Iloilo – This began when a priest brought the Sto. Niño de Cebu to Iloilo. The devotion grew into a major celebration with tribal dance competitions depicting the people’s conversion to Christianity, often featuring the Holy Family with the Sto. Niño at the center.
Ati-Atihan of Aklan – Known as the “Queen of All Festivals,” this tradition traces its roots to an indigenous pagan festival that was later transformed to honor the Sto. Niño after the people embraced Christianity.
Biniray of Romblon – According to legend, the Sto. Niño de Cebu was on its way to Luzon but was forced to stop in Romblon by repeated storms. Believing the Sto. Niño wished to remain there, the people began honoring Him with a sea procession of decorated boats — a tradition that continues today.
Dr. Solito reflected, “We Filipinos really love the Baby Jesus.” She added that devotion to the Sto. Niño anchors families in faith, humility, and unconditional love, encouraging harmony between generations. “May we continue to share our faith and culture with the world,” she said, “and help make this world a better place for all.”
Through celebrations like Sinulog, Filipino families in Indiana keep alive the light of faith, history, and identity — proving that wherever Filipinos are, the spirit of the Sto. Niño is never far from their hearts.
