Events + Entertainment

4 Exciting Things You Can Look Forward to This Week’s Dinagyang 2024 Celebration in Iloilo

Prepare for an unforgettable experience at this week's Dinagyang 2024!

By: Karen Bermejo | January 22, 2024
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Dinagyang 2024

Performers mimicked the famous One Piece characters during the opening salvo of the 2024 Dinagyang Festival on January 12.

Image: Iloilo Dinangyang Festival Facebook page

Iloilo City’s Dinagyang festival is celebrated every fourth week of January, the Ilonggos’ way of celebrating their devotion to Sr. Sto Niño. Dinagyang comes from the Hiligaynon word “dagyang” which means merrymaking. With more than 200,000 spectators expected to join this year’s weeklong festival, Ilonggos and guests will surely be in a festive spirit in the City of Love with many activities. Here are some things you can look forward to at Iloilo City’s Dinagyang 2024 celebration this year.


1. Colorful costumes and world-class performances



Dinagyang 2024 street dancing

Iloilo City’s Dinagyang festival is a sure feast for the eyes with the captivating costumes of all warriors and performers of the festivals.

Image: Iloilo Dinagyang Festival Facebook page

Spectators can witness world-class performances during the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan on January 27, a cultural showcase of Panay festivals.

On January 28, the highly-anticipated Dinagyanag Tribes Competition will have eight tribes coming from different schools in the city who will showcase their broad smiles and energetic, synchronized performances on the beat of the drums. Witness their world-class performances in the Downtown area with four judging areas, including 1) Iloilo Freedom Grandstand, 2) Iloilo Provincial Capitol, 3) Mabini/Delgado Streets, and 4) Quezon/Ledesma Streets.

Besides the tribe competition at this Iloilo City festival, more colors will shine during the Dinagyang 2024 ILOmination Streetdance Competition and Floats Parade of Lights on January 26. The street dance competition will pass through the city’s new business districts - Atria to SM City Iloilo and Iloilo Business Park.

Mallgoers of SM City Iloilo can also witness the colorful AweSM Iloilo Drones and Fireworks Festival on January 26 at 9:00 PM.


2. A gastronomic feast



Dinagyang 2024 gastronomic feast

Named recently as the UNESCO City of Gastronomy, you should not miss a gastronomic feast in the city.

Image: Screengrab/Iloilo Dinagyang Festival Facebook page

Starting January 25 to January 28, festival-goers may enjoy a wide variety of food options during the Dinagyang 2024 Food Festival in the Downtown area in 10 locations, including Bonifacio Street, Muelley Loney, Iloilo Provincial Capitol Grounds, Solis Street, Valeria Street (Atrium side, one side only); Valeria Street (Delgado side, one side only); Delgado Street (Amigo side); Delgado Street (SM Delgado side); Valeria Street (Marymart side), and Iznart Street. Diners will also be treated to live performances and entertainment while enjoying Ilonggo food.

Megaworld, the township Iloilo Business Park developer, will also be opening its version of the food festival, which is eyed to be the longest in the city. Situated along Java Road of IBP, the food festival will also open on January 25, with more than 200 merchants offering diverse Ilonggo dishes and delicacies.

Of course, don’t forget to take home proudly made Ilonggo pasalubongs and delicacies after the festival. A box of Biscocho Haus pasalubong is always a must for every traveler to Iloilo. Don’t forget to include biscocho (toasted bread that is topped with sugar), butterscotch (sweet and chewy dessert), and barquillos (wafer rolls) in your box.


3. Music and arts



Dinagyang 2024 music and arts

Arts and music are also anticipated scenes during the Dinagyang season. Some famous names in the music industry come to Iloilo to entertain and delight their Ilonggo fans.

Image: Iloilo Dinagyang Festival Facebook page

Filipino rock band Nobita will perform live at the Dinagyang 2024 Food Festival opening at Iloilo Business Park on January 25. Coke Studio will also bring more Pinoy artists to the food fest, including Tawag ng Tangahalan champ Janine Berdin, Tropa Vibes, and Alamat.

More music and fun will also be served during the Dinagyang 2024 Music and Rave Festival at Iloilo Business Park on January 26, featuring DJs Victor Pring, Dara Carmina, Arvin Ong, and the Patequeros.

Musician-actor Juan Karlos will bring some giggles to his fans on January 28 at SM City Iloilo. He will be joined by famous DJ Ron Poe.

On the other hand, artworks by Ilonggo painters, illustrators, and visual artists will also be the highlight of the Dinagyang Arts Festival. Their artworks will be displayed at the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Arts (ILOMOCA) at Iloilo Business Park.


4. Religious Parade



Dinagyang 2024 religious parade

An image of Sr. Sto. Niño taken during the opening salvo last January 12.

Image: Iloilo Dinagyang Festival Facebook page

With this year’s theme, “Pagdayaw kay Senor Sto. Nino, Padayaw sang mga Ilonggo,” the Dinagyang 2024 celebration is about the Ilonggos’ devotion and pride. Ilonggos and devotees don’t miss the Motorcade of Senor Sto Nino de Cebu on January 24 on the main streets of Iloilo. A fluvial and solemn foot procession at Iloilo River (Downtown area) will also be witnessed on January 26.

For those who want to catch the solemnity of the Ilonggos’ devotion to Sr. Sto. Niño can see it during the Grand Religious Sadsad on January 27 at 7:00 PM. Ilonggos join the sadsad with their image of Sto. Niños in hand.


Whether you’re a foodie, a photographer, a music lover, or just someone who wants to witness one of the most highly celebrated festivals in the country, then joining Dinagyang is undoubtedly something you should not miss this year. With a wide array of activities to try here, you’ll surely love Dinagyang and Iloilo City more.


Visit Yoorekka Magazine for more events and happenings in Iloilo!


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About Karen Bermejo
Karen is a writer, a traveler, and a volunteer. Her ultimate dream is to travel the world, master a foreign language, and learn how to swim. To keep her sanity while chasing her dreams, she’s scaling mountains on weekends.
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Disclaimer: All articles in the Consumers Magazine of Yoorekka are for general information and entertainment purposes only. Although careful research has been made in writing them, Yoorekka does not make any warranty about the completeness and accuracy of all information presented in our articles. Our content is not intended to be used in place of legal, medical, or any professional advice.
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