Every third Sunday of January, Cebu celebrates Sinulog. For this year 2014 the Sinulog weekend falls on January 18 and 19 with the Fluvial Procession on early Saturday morning and the Grand Sinulog Grand Mardi Gras street parade on Sunday.
There is also a Traslacion and 9 day novena mass attended to by thousands of devotees from all over the Philippines and abroad.
What is the meaning of ‘Pit Senyor’?
‘Pit Senyor’ is composed of two Cebuano words ‘Pit’ and ‘Senyor’.
The word “senyor” is a title of respect given to males. In this instance, “Senyor” or “Senior” refers to the Holy Child Senior Sto Nino de Cebu to whom the feast is also dedicated.
‘Pit’ is commonly attributed to the Cebuano word ”sangpit” meaning “to call upon”. Cebuanos are very fond of shortening words example: “balay” (house) becomes just “bay” , another example “padulong” (on the way) becomes “padung”. You can find many such instances of shortening the words in the Cebuano dialect.
So many believes that “Pit” of “Pit Senyor” is the shorten version of “sangpit kang Senyor Sto Nino” or to call upon Senior Sto Nino.
You will notice too that the ladies who dances the Sinulog in front of the Basilica Minore del Sto Nino chants a prayer, a thanksgiving or a request sa Balaang Bata during the dance. They are calling upon the Infant Jesus to hear the prayers and the requests of the petitioner.
Viva Senyor Sto Nino!
If you come to Cebu during Sinulog Festival, even days before the celebration, shouts of “Viva Senyor Sto Nino” will reverberate in every place, corner of the city. You can also see these words proudly printed in many tarpaulins and banners almost everywhere you look.
To shout ‘Viva!’ is to shout with gladness for all the blessings that the Infant Jesus has given, a thanksgiving, and a renewed sense of hope that Senyor Sto Nino will always be there for all who believes in Him.
Viva Senyor Sto Nino! Pit Senyor!
Viva Pit Senyor Cebu!
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