# Cebu’s Sinulog goes rainbow: Local businesses team up for first ‘Pride Market’ pop-up
Honey, if you thought Sinulog couldn’t get any more fabulous, think again! The iconic festival that transforms Cebu City into a kaleidoscope of culture every January is getting a gorgeous rainbow upgrade for 2025, and your resident culture vulture is *living* for it.
In a delicious twist that has the queer community buzzing, a collective of LGBT-owned businesses and allies have announced plans for the first-ever “Pride Market” pop-up during Sinulog Festival 2025. This groundbreaking addition to Cebu’s grandest celebration will create a dedicated space for queer entrepreneurs, artists, and performers amid the week-long extravaganza.
The Pride Market will run from January 12-19, strategically positioned between the Cebu Marathon and the Grand Parade, promising to capture the festival’s peak energy. While the exact venue is still under wraps (*cue the suspense, darlings*), organizers have promised a location within walking distance of the main Sinulog activities in downtown Cebu City.
“This isn’t just about selling rainbow merchandise, though there will be plenty of that too,” shares market organizer Miko Fernandez, whose vintage clothing boutique has become a Cebu staple. “We’re creating a platform for LGBT creators who’ve long been part of Sinulog’s creative soul but never had their own spotlight.”
The market will feature over 40 vendors offering everything from hand-crafted jewelry and upcycled fashion to queer literature and artisanal food. A small stage will host daily performances ranging from acoustic sets and spoken word to mini drag shows, a tasteful amuse-bouche before revelers head to the bigger Sinulog parties like the ones at Sentral Bar and LAST: Origins.
What makes this initiative particularly significant is how it weaves LGBT visibility into the fabric of a festival deeply rooted in religious tradition. For a celebration honoring the Santo Niño that dates back 460 years, this rainbow addition represents a beautiful evolution of inclusivity.
“Sinulog has always been about Cebuano identity and culture,” explains Pride Market co-organizer Jasmine Lee. “The LGBT community is an integral part of that identity, especially in the arts and creative industries that make Sinulog so spectacular.”
The timing couldn’t be more perfect. With Sinulog 2025 expected to draw record crowds following its post-pandemic revival, the Pride Market offers a fresh attraction for the festival’s increasingly diverse attendees.
*Between us, darlings*, Artie’s Picks already include the limited-edition Santo Niño-inspired enamel pins designed by queer Cebuano artists, they’re going to be the must-have accessory for next year’s festival circuit. Mark my words!
