The weather did not stop some eight million people from lining up along Cebu City’s streets to watch the 11-hour Sinulog 2010 parade. The crowd estimate came from Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 Director Lani-o Nerez, who made rounds of the parade route several times.
The estimate included those who turned up for the early mass at the Basilica del Sto. Niño, where people left no free space in the Pilgrim Center that can hold 12,000. At the Cebu City Sports Complex grandstand, police estimated there were 20,000 people inside, including those at the sides of the stage. While the grandstand can accommodate 13,000, Chief Insp. Arnel Banzon, who was in charge of security there, said the bleachers had more the place’s capacity.
A bigger venue is being contemplated for next year’s Sinulog, after the large crowd that turned up for yesterday’s festivities. “The Cebu City Sports Center is getting too small for the Sinulog. I think we have to look for a bigger venue,” said Ricky Ballesteros, Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI) executive director.
The estimate included those who turned up for the early mass at the Basilica del Sto. Niño, where people left no free space in the Pilgrim Center that can hold 12,000. At the Cebu City Sports Complex grandstand, police estimated there were 20,000 people inside, including those at the sides of the stage. While the grandstand can accommodate 13,000, Chief Insp. Arnel Banzon, who was in charge of security there, said the bleachers had more the place’s capacity.
A bigger venue is being contemplated for next year’s Sinulog, after the large crowd that turned up for yesterday’s festivities. “The Cebu City Sports Center is getting too small for the Sinulog. I think we have to look for a bigger venue,” said Ricky Ballesteros, Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI) executive director.
