DINAGYANG, Iloilo City’s famous religious and cultural festivity, an annual traditional held on the fourth Sunday of January, unfolded last Friday (Jan. 12) with the usual pomp and pageantry it has been known for over the years. Highlights however, will be on Jan. 27 to 28.
This year, the Ilonggos will again showcase to the world their strong faith and diverse culture and tradition through the Dinagyang Festival 2024, with the theme “Padayaw sang mga Ilonggo, Pagdayaw kaySenor Sto. Nino.”
“As meant by our Dinagyang theme this year, we scream it loud and proud as Ilonggos who we are, our culture, tradition, and talents, most especially our strong faith in Señor Sto. Niño,” Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas said.
He underscored that Dinagyang, as a multi-awarded tourism event in the country managed by Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI) in partnership with the local government unit and San Jose Parish Placer, has helped place Iloilo City on the map as one of the go-to tourism destinations in the country.
“We are inviting you all, especially those who have not experienced our festival yet, to come and enjoy, and let your heart beat for our Dinagyang and our beloved Iloilo City,” Trenas added.
This year’s Dinagyang Ati Tribe competition will be a battle among city schools, to be staged on Jan. 28. The competitors are the Tribu Ilonganon of the Jalandoni Memorial National High School, the Tribu Mandu-riyaw of the Mandurriao National High School, the Tribu Paghidaet of the La Paz National High School, the Tribu Pan-ay of the Fort San Pedro National High School, the Tribu Salognon of the Jaro National High School, the Tribu Sigabong of the Ramon Avancena National High School, the Tribu Silak of the Iloilo City National High School, and the Tribu Taga-Baryo of the Barrio Obrero National High School.
“Kasadyahan sa mga Kabanwahanan”, which is co-managed by the Iloilo provincial government, is slated on Jan. 27.
Nine town festivals coming from different districts of Iloilo will also be presented. These are Kaing Festival of Leon; Kasag Festival of Banate; Saad Festival of Leganes; Katagman Festival of Oton; Tultugan Festival of Maasin; Banaag Festival of Anilao; Cry of Jelicuon Festival of New Lucena; Hirinugyaw Sugidanon of Calinog; and Pantat Festival of Zarraga.
Both the Dinagyang and the Kasadyahan tribes will perform in four areas –Iloilo Freedom Grandstand, Iloilo Provincial Capitol, Mabini-Delgado Streets, and Quezon-Ledesma Streets.
Meanwhile, the Dinagyang ILOmination Streetdance Competition and Floats Parade of Lights on Jan. 26 will have seven tribes representing each district of the city such as Tribu Arevalo (Kahirup); Tribu City Proper (Ilonggohanon); Tribu Jaro (Buntag-tala); Tribu La Paz (Sagasa); Tribu La Paz (Sidlangan); Tribu Mandurriao; and Tribu Molo (IAFA).
It will be open to the public since the dance competition will be staged along the city’s new business district, the Ayala-SM-Megaworld area.