Dinagyang, a festive way to celebrate Iloilo City's faith and cultural heritage

Festive triumph

In Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas' own words, "Dinagyang gets better and better every year." The 56th edition of the city's grandest celebration unfolded with various games, booths, and performances that captivated the crowds.

Telco company DITO Telecommunity hosted several key events that enhanced the festival experiences of both Ilonggos and tourists, including the Miss Iloilo Coronation Night, a street dance competition, a concert, the Dinagyang Tribes Competition, and an awarding ceremony.

During its culminating event, OPM rock band Kamikazee ignited the stage with their explosive performance, providing the audience with a thrilling musical experience. Likewise, local DJs and bands including Clyde Orterncio, Rainsband, Kreonz, Emman Abatayo and Binhi also brought a colorful element to the celebrations. This event was also part of the youngest telco player's Dinagyang official party.

Meanwhile, several personalities, celebrities, and beauty queens, including Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee, Miss International 2023 Third runner-up Nicole Borromeo, and Miss Supranational 2023 First runner-up Pauline Amelinckx, also graced the event.

A reflection of faith

The main highlight, however, was the Dinagyang Tribes Competition 2024 on Sunday, Jan. 28. Iloilo City was filled with rhythm and colors as eight competing school-based Ati Tribes lit up the streets to showcase their creativity and talents.

During the opening salvo of one of the highly anticipated festivals in the Philippines, Treñas said that the monetary award, P25 million worth of school projects, raised the enthusiasm of the "tribe warriors" in a celebration of the city's colorful culture and strong religious devotion to Señor Santo Niño.

"Without [a] doubt, Dinagyang is the festival to beat. As a three-time Best Tourism Event in the country, it has been known on the national and global stage, making Dinagyang one of the most highly anticipated events for visitors and tourists," the mayor said.

Among the eight participating tribes, Tribu Pan-ay of Fort San Pedro National High School emerged as this year's champion, marking an "unexpected" win over the early bets, Tribu Silak (Iloilo City National High School) and Tribu Ilonganon (Jalandoni Memorial National High School).

Meanwhile, other winners include the following:

• First Runner-up: Tribu Paghidaet
• Second Runner-up: Tribu Ilonganon
• Third Runner-up: Tribu Mandu-Riyaw
• Fourth Runner-up: Tribu Salognon
• Best in Discipline: Tribu Ilonganon
• Best in Sadsad: Tribu Ilonganon
• Best in Production Design: Tribu Paghidaet
• Best in Music: Tribu Pan-ay
• Best in Costume Design and Headdress: Tribu Ilonganon
• Best in Choreography: Tribu Silak
• Best in Performance: Tribu Silak

But beneath Dinagyang's vibrant facade lies the Ilonggo spirit, where faith and festivity go together. For devotees of Señor Sto. Niño, the festival is a series of parades, processions, and "merry-making," each act a testament to their cultural legacy and unwavering devotion.