0
0
The Filipino community in Vienna came together on Sunday, 18 January 2026, at the Filipino Catholic Chaplaincy Church in the 10th District to celebrate the annual Sinulog Festival—one of the most cherished expressions of Filipino faith and culture. Organized by the Filipino Catholic Chaplaincy and the Kapunongan ng mga Bisaya sa Austria (KBA), the event highlighted the community’s enduring devotion to the Sto. Niño and its commitment to preserving Filipino traditions in Austria.
The celebration opened with a solemn Holy Mass presided over by Fr. Ely Dalanon, Chaplain of the Filipino Catholic Chaplaincy, joined by Filipino priests as co-celebrants. During the liturgy, Fr. Ely blessed the devotees’ Sto. Niño images and icons, underscoring the deep spiritual significance of the child Jesus in Filipino Catholic devotion.
A key moment of the day followed the Eucharistic celebration: the ritual Sinulog dance. Devotees, holding their Sto. Niño icons close, moved in unison to the beat of drums, chanting “PIT SENYOR!” The traditional two-step-forward-one-step-backward rhythm symbolized a heartfelt offering of faith, gratitude, and trust in the Sto. Niño.
After the religious rites, the festivities continued with a cultural program hosted by KBA. A simple lunch fostered fellowship among attendees, who shared stories, laughter, and the warmth of community.
The cultural showcase featured dynamic dance performances, with participants dressed in colorful, intricately crafted costumes. Accompanied by drums and native gongs, the dancers portrayed the historical origins of Sinulog and the diverse regional expressions of devotion to the Sto. Niño found across the Philippines. The performances evoked a sense of home, transporting the audience back to familiar sights and sounds while celebrating unity within the Filipino diaspora.
Rooted in Cebu, the Sinulog Festival commemorates the introduction of Christianity to the Philippines and honors the Sto. Niño, believed to be a miraculous icon gifted by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. In Vienna, the festival has grown into a meaningful bridge between homeland and diaspora—preserving traditions, strengthening cultural identity, and passing on heritage to future generations.
This year’s celebration served not only as an expression of faith but also as a testament to the resilience, joy, and cultural pride of Filipinos in Austria. For many, it was a moment to reconnect with their roots, celebrate shared history, and find comfort in the embrace of community.
As the resounding chants of “PIT SENYOR!” filled Vienna’s 10th District, the Sinulog Festival once again affirmed the unwavering devotion of Filipinos in Austria and their dedication to keeping their spiritual and cultural heritage alive, no matter the distance from home.
- Hector Pascua/pictures: Emigdio Nava, (5) Facebook/Mandy Salonga, (5) Facebook
This post has already been read 12 times!
