Dinagyang Festival 2025 in Philippines

The Dinagyang Festival is one of the largest celebrations of the Philippines. This massive cultural and religious celebration derives from the devotion to the Holy Child Jesus also known as Santo Niño de Cebú. The festival also celebrates the arrival of the Malay settlers and the barter of Panay Island. The Dinagyang Festival is held in Iloilo City on the last weekend of January.

Dinagyang Festival Highlights

The Dinagyang Festival consists of three significant events: the Ati Tribe Competition, Kasadyahan Cultural Competition, and the Miss Iloilo Dinagyangcontest. The Ati Tribe competition features various "warrior" dancers with a shield and a spear. Dancers are moving and chanting to the loud drum beats. Many participants come from various areas of the Philippines or local high schools. The Carousel Performance is when the competing tribes are dancing simultaneously in different areas.

The Floats Parade of Lights occurs on the second day of the Iloilo Dinagyang Festival. The colorful procession goes along Sen. Benigno Aquino Avenue (Diversion Road) and ends at the Iloilo Business Park. Its participants include universities, clubs, and local businesses. The floats are lavishly decorated with traditional themes and glowing lights.

The Grand Religious Sadsad is a religious procession celebrating the patron saint of the festival, Señor Santo Niño. Thousands of devotees participate in the Grand Religious Sadsad to express gratefulness to Santo Niño and to ask for blessings.

Festival Schedule

The festival kicks off with the Opening Salvo, Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan, on January 5, followed by the official opening of the Dinagyang Festival on January 12 at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand. Over the next several days, the city will host a variety of vibrant events, including the Miss Iloilo Coronation Night on January 13, and Novena Masses from January 19 to 27.

Key highlights include the Fluvial Procession and Solemn Foot Procession on January 26, the thrilling Dinagyang ILOmination Streetdance Competition on the same day, and the Dinagyang Tribes Competition on January 28, where local tribes will showcase their spectacular dances and costumes.

The festival concludes with the Awarding Ceremony on January 28. Additionally, the Dinagyang Food Festival will be open from January 25 to 28, giving visitors a chance to indulge in local delicacies.

Locations

The main stages of the event can be found at various key locations in Iloilo, including the Iloilo Provincial Capitol, Freedom Grand Stand, Mabini and Delgado Street, and Quezon and Ladeesma Street.