17 January 2026 – The 34th Annual Grand Sinulog Festival, organized by the Visayas Mindanao (VISMIN) Association, in what is recognized as one of Alberta’s grandest cultural celebrations, brought together Filipinos and Filipino-Canadian devotees honoring the Holy Child Jesus (Señor Sto. Niño) through dance, music and prayers.
The 34th Grand Sinulog Festival of Edmonton, Alberta stands as the largest Sinulog festival in Canada, drawing a ticketed audience of more than 850 attendees and underscoring the festival’s growing stature within the broader Canadian multicultural mosaic. Organized by the Visayas Mindanao (VisMin) Association continuously for the past 34 years, this year’s event was notably joined by Edmonton City Mayor Andrew Knack, and Members of the Alberta Legislative Assembly Nathan IP (Edmonton Southwest-NDP) and Gurtej Singh Brar (Ellerslie-NDP) reflecting strong local government recognition and support. Their presence highlighted the Sinulog as not only a cherished Filipino cultural and faith tradition, but also a significant platform for intercultural dialogue and the celebration of Filipino contributions to the social fabric and economic prosperity of Alberta.
As the festival continues to grow each year, organizers hope to further expand participation and keep the tradition alive for future generations. To allow the festival to accommodate an even larger crowd with the same spirit and devotion to the Sto. Niño, VizMin President Jessa Aco-Kuchmack announced that next year’s Grand Sinulog celebration will be held at the Edmonton Convention Centre, the largest event space in the city of Edmonton. The capital city of Alberta is home to 80,760 Filipinos and Filipino-Canadians as of the 2021 Census Canada figures.
In her remarks, Consul General Emma Sarne mentioned how the Sinulog, when celebrated abroad, has become a reminder of shared heritage for overseas Filipinos. “The Sinulog’s familiar movement of two steps forward, one step back reminds us that while life moves us forward, we remain anchored by who we are as Filipinos,” she said. ConGen Sarne also took the opportunity to inform the audience of the Consulate’s upcoming Consular Outreach Mission to Edmonton and encourage the dual citizens to register in the ongoing Overseas Voters Registration for the 2028 National Elections.
The Philippine Consulate General in Calgary reaffirms its commitment to supporting festivities which continue to stand as a testament to the enduring faith, rich tradition and vibrant diversity of the Filipino community in Alberta and Saskatchewan. END
PR No. 05-2026
