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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Visit Yoorekka Magazine for more events and happenings in Iloilo!