The Cathedral of St Stephen will transform into a vibrant celebration of Filipino faith and culture on January 18 as the local Filipino community gathers for its second annual Sinulog celebration.
Read: Archbishop Shane Mackinlay Installed in Fortitude Valley
More than 500 years after the first image of the Santo Niño—the Holy Infant Jesus—was presented in the Philippines, Brisbane’s Filipino devotees are keeping this cherished tradition alive through prayer, pageantry, and fellowship.
The Sinulog celebration honours a pivotal moment in Philippine history. In 1521, explorer Ferdinand Magellan gifted a small wooden statue of the Santo Niño to Queen Juana, marking the acceptance of Christianity in the archipelago. That image, considered miraculous by many, remains in the care of Augustinian friars at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño in Cebu.
For fervent devotee Paul Seguerra, the celebration represents something profound. He said that for Filipinos, Sinulog represents devotion, gratitude, and the deep-rooted Christian faith that continues to unite the community today.
The commemoration begins with a nine-day novena to the Santo Niño, building towards a special Mass on the third Sunday of January. This year’s Mass on 18 January will be concelebrated by Fr Philip Borla CICM, Fr Saldie Resolado OSA, and Fr Bryan Pipins, beginning at 2pm.
What follows is a colourful showcase of Filipino tradition. At 3:15pm, the Sinulog Parade will feature Sinulog Queens in traditional attire. This parade symbolises Christianity’s embrace throughout Philippine history and draws inspiration from Queen Juana herself.
The afternoon continues with cultural presentations and traditional Sinulog dancing at 3:45pm. The distinctive dance movements—inspired by the Cebuano word for water current—feature characteristic forward-and-backward steps that have become synonymous with the celebration. Community refreshments and fellowship will round out the day at 4:45pm, offering Filipino food, music, and the chance to connect with fellow devotees.
Whilst the festival is undeniably lively, Mr Seguerra emphasised that reverence remains at its core. He noted that the celebration embodies fundamental Filipino values that have sustained communities through centuries of challenges.
Devotees attending the celebration are encouraged to bring small images of the Santo Niño for blessing during the Mass. Traditional or festival attire is also welcomed, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the day.
The event holds special significance for Brisbane’s Filipino community, which continues to grow and contribute to the city’s multicultural fabric. A replica of the original statue can be found closer to home at Marian Valley in Canungra, providing a local connection to this centuries-old devotion.
The Cathedral of St Stephen at Elizabeth Street in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD, has served as a spiritual home for Catholics since 1874. The heritage-listed neo-Gothic building, with its striking spire-topped towers and stunning stained glass windows, provides a fitting backdrop for this celebration of faith and cultural heritage.
Read: Immersive Light Show Opens at St Stephen’s Cathedral in Brisbane CBD
As the Filipino community prepares to gather once more, the Sinulog celebration stands as a testament to how traditions travel and take root in new soil, enriching both those who bring them and those who witness them.
Event Details:
Date: Sunday, 18 January 2026
Location: Cathedral of St Stephen, 249 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane City
Program:
- 2:00pm – Holy Mass
- 3:15pm – Sinulog Parade
- 3:45pm – Cultural presentations and Sinulog dancing
- 4:45pm – Community refreshments and fellowship
Published 15-January-2026
