The name 'sinulog' comes from a Filipino word that means 'to move like water'. The festival's signature dance is a two-steps-forward, one-step-back movement, with both hands out, like a calm river flowing along. Even tiny children take part - whole school groups dance in matching outfits down the streets.
Sinulog is a religious festival - it celebrates the Santo Niño, a small wooden statue of the Christ Child that is very important in Cebu. But the festival has grown so much that everyone joins in, whatever they believe. The dance, the music, and the costumes are what most people remember.
The costumes are spectacular. Dancers wear huge headdresses made of feathers, sequins and shiny ribbons, often two or three times the size of their heads. Their outfits flash with sparkles and bright colours - pink, gold, turquoise, purple. From above, the parade looks like a giant moving flower garden.
Drummers lead the parade. The beat is called 'Pit Senyor!' and you can hear it everywhere in Cebu for the whole week. Many schools spend months practising their Sinulog routine. Winning your school category is a huge deal - the trophy gets pride of place on the school wall.