Dinagyang Festival
DINAGYANG FESTIVAL SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES | TRAVEL GUIDE
Judging Areas
1 Freedom Grandstand
2 Iznart – F Caram Ave – Solis.
3 Valeria – Ledesma
4 Maria Clara
October 10, 2019 , Start of the 100-day countdown
January 10, Dinagyang Festival Opening Salvo
January 18-25, Iloilo Dinagyang Arts Festival at Iloilo Esplanade
January 23-26, Ilonggo Food Festival
January 23 (7 p.m.), Miss Iloilo 2020 ( formerly Miss Dinagyang) at WVSU
January 24 (8 a.m.), Tambor Trumpa Martsa Musika
January 24 (2 p.m.), Fluvial and Solemn Foot Procession
January 24 (6 p.m.), Floats Parade of Lights
January 24 (7 p.m.), Fireworks Display
January 25 (8 a.m.), Dagyang sa Calle Real at Provincial Capitol to J.M. Basa Street
January 25 (2 p.m.), Festive Parade Sponsors Mardi Gras
January 25 (7 p.m.), Religious Sadsad at San Jose Parish Church
January 26 (8 a.m.), Dinagyang Festival 360 Degrees at Iloilo Freedom Grandstand, etc.
Dinagyang Festival
DINAGYANG FESTIVAL- UNIQUELY ILONGGO, UNIQUELY LOCAL
People who wish to be engrossed by such a rich culture and a grand time of enjoyment, camaraderie and religious significance need only to travel to Iloilo every fourth Sunday of January and be quickly immersed in the colorful spectacle known all over the world as the Iloilo Dinagyang Festival. For those people who say that Dinagyang is just a mirror of the equally famous Ati-atihan Festival, they wouldn’t be too far from the truth because both celebrations are geared towards giving homage to the patron Sto. Nino – a beloved image for most of Catholic-raised Filipinos. The reverence and devotion of Catholics to the Sto. Nino is one thing that seems to bind Catholic Filipinos no matter from which region they may be. And the Dinagyang Festival is one of the many festivals which gives many a reason to celebrate the intercession of Sto. Nino in their daily lives.
Established in 1967 to honor Sto. Nino and also remember the significance of how our ancestors welcomed the Malays to Panay Island, the Dinagyang Festival got its start through the inspiration of Reverend Father Ambrosio Galindez. He got the idea after watching the Sinulog Festival and the Ati-atihan Festivals in neighboring locales and wished to replicate the gaiety and the spectacle that brought people together. He wanted the people of Iloilo to have a festival that is totally their own, so that they too, can honor their patron. His actions have thus far set a huge chain reaction that reverberates to this day as annually, the festival brings together people from all walks of life, both local and foreign, to Iloilo for a few days of enjoyment and entertainment that is centered on their patron.
For those of you who think that the Dinagyang festival is just a festival, then you are quite wrong. On the contrary, to celebrate the diversity of the culture, there are three major celebrations that comprise the Dinagyang – the Ati Tribe Competition, the Kasadyahan Cultural Competition, and the Miss Iloilo Dinagyang. All of these three component celebrations add to the grandeur of the spectacle as they each highlight a different part of the culture that is so steeped in gaiety and significance.
The Ati Tribe Competition brings together natives and visitors who wish to dance in merriment in the streets. The more important thing though is that the celebration brings together people who wish to recognize the impact of the Ati tribes who peopled most of Panay back then. Recently, even the hinterland Atis have joined the celebration for recognition.
The Kadsayahan Festival, on the other hand, brings together, not only the local barrios and schools but also now accepts regional entries which showcase the depth and breadth of culture as they see fit. Meanwhile, the Miss Iloilo Dinagyang showcases the beauty of Ilonggo women to the world as they step up to the plate to promote their various causes and beliefs.
The gaiety, the color, the splendor of the Dinagyang Festival does not in any way overshadow the gastronomical treasure that lines the streets of the city during its days of glory. Indulge in the variety of food that lines up the streets and the local watering holes. Get a taste of the local cuisine geniuses that infuse flavor on every bite and adds to the totality of the experience.
With the passing of time, the Dinagyang Festival mirrors that of society – resilient but capable of being molded to suit its passage, colorful and timeless, celebrating not only the rich culture but most importantly, the vibrant way of life that is uniquely Ilonggo, uniquely theirs for the world to indulge in for a couple of days every fourth week of January.
Must Read:
Dinagyang Festival
THINGS TO DO WHEN VISITING ILOILO CITY DINAGYANG FESTIVAL
Explore Iloilo City
For sure if you will be attending the Dinagyang Festival, you would want also to explore what other attractions Iloilo offers. To help you design your itinerary, please read our Iloilo
Isla Gigantes
One famous attraction the Iloilo Province offers is the Isla Gigantes located in Carles. We have outlined a detailed guide on how to get to Isla Gigantes. For more click here Isla Gigantes
La Paz Batchoy
A visit to Dinagyang Festival will never be complete without tasting their famous La Paz Batchoy. For more read: Iloilo La Paz Batchoy | Ted’s, Deco’s, Netong’s
Guimaras Island
Just a few minutes bumboat ride from Iloilo is the beautiful island of Guimaras. You can spend a day or two on the island and experience its unique charm. For more read: Guimaras Island
Explore Bacolod City and the Province of Negros Occidental
If you want to explore more Western Visayas after Dinagyang Festival, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental can be reached conveniently via fast craft. Bacolod City and the entire province of Negros Occidental offers unlimited attractions and things to do that will make your visit memorable.
Fore more, check the following travel guides:
- Bacolod
- Negros Occidental
- Negros Occidental: Land of Sweet Surprises
- Bacolod, Talisay, Silay, Murcia, Don Salvador Benedicto + Panaad sa Negros Festival
- Lakawon, Carbin Reef, Suyac island
- Bacolod, Sipalay, Cauayan
Dinagyang Festival
LIST OF BUDGET HOTELS IN ILOILO CITY TO STAY DURING DINAGYANG FESTIVAL
Booking your room in advance is a must when attending the Dinagyang Festival. You can click on our links provided below to get the best deals from various hotels in Iloilo City.
GET A ROOM AT DISCOUNTED RATES HERE
Amigo Terrace Hotel
Corner Iznart St., Delgado
Circle Inn – Iloilo City Center
Iznart Street, Maria Clara
Chito’s Hotel
180 De Leon Street, City Proper,
District 21 Hotel
Donato M.Pison Avenue Brgy. San Rafael Mandurriao
GT Hotel Iloilo
De Leon Street Iloilo City
Grand Xing Imperial Hotel
H. Montinola St., Muelle Loney
Harbor Town Hotel
corner JM Basa – Aldeguer Streets
Hotel Del Rio
M.H. Del Pilar St., Molo, Iloilo, Philippines, 5000
Iloilo Midtown Hotel
corner Yulo – Iznart Streets, City Proper
Dinagyang Festival
GET A ROOM AT DISCOUNTED RATES HERE
Iloilo Business Hotel
Benigno Aquino Avenue
Injap Tower Hotel
West Diversion Road, Manduarriao
Madison Hotel PHL
Delgado Street, City Proper, Iloilo, Philippines, 5000
Mo2 Westown Hotel and Resort
Glicerio T. Pison Benigno Aquino Drive, Mandurriao, Iloilo, Philippines, 5000
People’s Hotel
Corner Delgado and Fuentes Streets
Richmonde Hotel Iloilo
Megaworld Boulevard cor. Enterprise Road, Iloilo Business Park 5000
Riverside Inn
Times Square Building, General Luna Street, City Proper
SMALLVILLE 21 HOTEL
Pasencia T. Pison Avenue, Smallville Complex, Mandurriao
Seda Atria
Donato Pison Avenue, Mandurriao
The Grand Dame Hotel
Corners Rizal and Huervana streets LA Paz
The Mansion
101 General Luna Street
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More Iloilo Travel Guides and Stories
The author during the Dinagyang Festival
Amazing event! I want to go there! #marman
“Dinagyang” from the name of the festival itself, you can say that this is fun! Ilo-ilo is not far from here, might as well book it now. #marman
Sounds like there are a lot of activities going on! Looks like a lot of fun!
Just try to visit my hometown and you can witness the dinagyang festeval..
This sounds like an incredible festival! I would love to make it one year!
sounds like lots of great fun will be happening. I love festivals most of ours around here in the summer but we celebrate all the same
This looks like a really fun time! Oh to have the time to travel and party like this.
This looks like it would be amazing to see in person! 🙂
I’ve seen this festival only on television and on the internet. I hope I’d be able to witness this live.
This festival looks like a lot of fun, and I’m sure this post is very valuable for all those that are going to attend!
That looks so much fun. All the way from PA.
It sounds like a festival not to be missed! What a list of fun things to see and do!
This looks great and would be great to learn about other cultures and their customs. 😉
Thanks for Sharing.
John @ daddyphotoblog.com
Looks like everyone had a great time …Great food. I use to go to several festival when I live in New York City . Met people from every region and had a lot of fun laughing together this bring back memory!
This sounds and looks fun and educational.
What a great list of activities during the festival. I love going to festivals like this.
It’s so nice that you were able to get all the schedules. That’s definitely helpful especially for people who are planning to watch the festival!
Looks like a fun festival. I miss that kind of life.
this sounds like an interesting festival with a lot to do which is great. wish i could attend
Sounds like a very fun festival.. i would love to visit
It’s been a long time since I haven;t go back at my country in PH. I wish I can be there and see the Dinagyang Festival.
These are great list, I’m going to check it one by one, I’m so excited for Dinagyang Festival.
This would be so fun !!!!
Culture and religious festivals can prove to be a great source of information with some fun dashed in
What an exciting festival I hope to try it out one day
That is one busy week of fun. I just love festivals and this one would be fun to attend
That sounds like such a fun festival! I would love to go!
Me too. I like knowing exactly what the line up is, makes it easier to plan the day.
My half elder sister lives in IloIlo City as well. I wonder if she and her family watch this festival. I know I would.