Sinulog Festival makes historic debut in Shepparton
The energy, the colours, the unity — all captured in one shot.
Photo by
Contributed
On Sunday, January 19 the Greater Shepparton came alive with a vibrant and colourful celebration of Filipino culture held at St Mel’s Parish, in collaboration with the Community of Filipino-Australians in Shepparton (CFAS), proudly presented the Sinulog Festival for the very first time in the region.
The event was a resounding success, drawing a diverse crowd of both locals and Filipinos.
The festival featured a solemn Mass in honour of the Feast of the Child Jesus, Santo Niño, followed by the lively and energetic Sinulog dances performed before and after the service.
The celebration continued with Filipino food trucks and Lechon, offering a joyful picnic on the church lawns.
This festive gathering united the community in both faith and celebration.
Special thanks to our distinguished guests: Sam Atukorala (CEO of the Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District), Leigh Johnson (Shepparton Police Multicultural Liaison Officer) and Theresa Yap Breen (donor of the image of Santo Niño).
Leigh Johnson, Sofia Carrafa, Anna Carrafa (lead Sinulog dancer), Chris Carrafa and Chloe Carrafa.
Photo by
Contributed
Sister Bing Delos Santos, Yolanda Cuizon-McGreevy (Sinulog co-orinator) and Fr Ruel Desamparado (St Mel’s priest).
Photo by
Contributed
St Mel’s parishioners enjoying the picnic, including (from left to right) Melinda Lietchfield, Mel Shields, Nora McCarthy, Sev Cortese and Josh Cortese.
Photo by
Contributed
Bishop Rene Ramirez with the Agustin-Vinas family.
Photo by
Contributed
Anna Rigoli Carrafa (Sinulog lead dancer) and Rhea Verdijo (Sinulog choreographer).
Photo by
Contributed
Anna (lead dancer) with Magellan’s guards.
Photo by
Contributed
Queen Juana raising Santo Nino and Joie Ngalongalay with performers.
Photo by
Contributed
What a crowd at the event. Seated in the front row from left to right is Liam McGreevy, Emily McGreevy and Barbara Carey.
Photo by
Contributed
Fr Ruel Desamparado with the Samoan altar servers.
Photo by
Contributed
Joie Ngalongalay (as queen Juana), John Matira (as King Humabon) and Zeus Suaybaguio (as child).
Photo by
Contributed
