The Sinulog is a festival widely identified with Cebu, with the grander and more popular one held and organized in Cebu City annually.

However,in 1974 or many years before the Sinulog was first held in Cebu city, Carmen in northern Cebu already held the first one.

The event was started by Fr. Jose Motus from Kalibo, Aklan, who with the help of Carmen residents organized contingents for what was then called the Ati-atihan sa Carmen but renamed the year after to the Sinulog Festival.

Without doubt, the Sinulog in Carmen precedes the Sinulog Festival of Cebu City.

This festival is now held on the fourth Sunday of January.