Dinagyang is Iloilo City’s version of the Ati-Atihan festival widely celebrated not only in Panay Island but also in other parts of the country. Dinagyang Festival‘s highlights are celebrated every fourth weekend of January, every year. The highlights are composed of the Ati-Ati Competition, the Kasadyahan Festival, the foot and fluvial procession, and the religious sadsad or religious street dance.
It may not be as ancient as the one in Kalibo in Aklan Province, but is definitely impressive in choreography and striking in terms of the various attires worn by participating tribes which reflect the ingenuity, craftsmanship and artistry of the Ilonggos.
An Ilonggo term for revelry or merrymaking, Dinagyang was coined in 1977 by Ilonggo writer/broadcaster Pacifico Sudario to describe the riotous celebration. Prior to this, Dinagyang was labeled “Iloilo Ati-Atihan” to differentiate it from other Ati-Atihan festivals.
Here are some of the important events of the upcoming celebrations in Iloilo City. Please do keep posted for more updates:
- January 9 (Friday) at 3:00PM – Opening Salvo along the Street Parade Route (Iloilo Provincial Capitol to Freedom Grandstand)
- January 21 (Wednesday) at 7:00PM – Miss Iloilo Dinagyang 2015 Coronation Night at University of San Agustin Gym
- January 22-25 (Thursday to Sunday) from 5:00PM onwards – Dinagyang IHRRA Food Festival at Delgado Street
- January 23 (Friday) from 7:00PM onwards – 5th Annual Dinagyang Festival Luces in the Sky Pyrolimpics – SM City Iloilo Carpark, Mandurriao District
- January 23 (Friday) at 3:00PM – Salvo of a Thousand Drums at Arroyo Fountain Area
- January 23 (Friday) at 8:00AM – Tambor Trumpa Martsa Musika from Bonifacio Drive to Freedom Grandstand
- January 23 (Friday) at 3:00PM – Religious Fluvial and Solemn Foot Procession of the image of Santo Niño de Cebu. From Fort San Pedro to Iloilo Customs House, followed by solemn foot procession to San Jose de Placer Church
- January 24 (Saturday) at 8:00AM – Kasadyahan Regional Festival along the Street Parade Route
- January 24 (Saturday) at 2:00PM – Sponsors Mardi-Gras along the Street Parade Route (refer to festival route map for details)
- January 24 (Saturday) at 7:00PM – Religious Sadsad at San Jose de Placer Parish Church
- January 25 (Sunday) at 6:00AM – Concelebrated High Mass at San Jose de Placer Parish Church
- January 25 (Sunday) at 8:00AM – Iloilo Dinagyang Ati Tribe Competition along the Street Parade Route
- January 25 (Sunday) at 7:00PM – Awarding Ceremonies at Freedom Grandstand
When we met with the venue manager, he laid out how we could use the space at rental halls in Philadelphia, and what we could expect from the staff on our event day. We were really pleased with his vision.
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