Information about Fuente Osmeña Circle

Fuente Osmeña

Photo by  Fuente Osmeña Circle

The Fuente Osmeña is a heritage site strategically located in the heart of uptown Cebu city,
along Jones Avenue and General Maxilom Avenue.
The rotunda park is named after President Sergio S. Osmeña the fourth President of the
Philippines from 1944 to 1946 in commemoration of his service and contribution to the city and
the country. He was the patriarch of one of Cebu’s prominent political families.
Feature of the Fuente Osmeña
The Fuente Osmeña features a century-old fountain at the center of the park. The fountain was
built in 1912 during the inauguration of the city’s first waterways system.
Today, this picturesque landmark serves a variety of purposes from early joggings, daytime
picnics to evening parties. It has become a venue for different social events, political gatherings,
and cultural activities including the Sinulog Festival.
Feast
Apart from the historical value, Fuente Osmeña is the center of all Sinulog activities. Dubbed as
the biggest and grandest festival in the Philippines, the Sinulog Festival is attended by people
from around the world and from across the country.
Since its inception in 1980, the festival is held every third Sunday of January in honor of Sto.
Niño (Child Jesus), the patron saint of Cebu. It is an important celebration of the religious
devotion and cultural identity of the province of Cebu, which dates back to the pagan past to the
birth and growth of Christianity in Cebu and the country.
“Sinulog” comes from the Cebuano word “sulog” which means a graceful dance that resembles
the rythmic forward and backward motion of a river. During the festivity, participants dress in
colorful and attractive costumes and dance in the same forward and backward motion.
The festival last for nine days filled with different activities like art exhibits, pageants, photo
contests, singing and dancing contest, among others. On the last day is the Sinulog Grand
Parade featuring colorful costumes and beautiful dances and music. Participants from other
parts of Cebu as well as local and foreign tourists are encourage to join more festival activities
such as concerts, cultural shows, fireworks display, fun runs, and street fairs to experience more
the rich culture and history of Cebu.