Dinagyang Festival

Are you familiar with the Dinagyang Festival? It is one of the famous festival here in Iloilo, Philippines. Dinagyang is a thanksgiving for and a celebration in honor of Sr. Santo Nino. The cultural festival is held every last weekend of January. The Dinagyang is divided into three major events which is the Kasadyahan Street Dancing, Ati-Ati Street Dancing and Miss Dinagyang competition. The Kasadyahan is a cultural parade held every last Saturday of January. Different tribes interpret the old Iloilo culture and their devotion to the patron saint. They were dancing and singing with their colorful costumes.The Ati-Ati Street Dancing is the highlight of the Dinagyang festival held on Sunday. It is the competition of 20 tribes or groups where they dance to the drumbeats. The warriors of each tribe paint their bodies with black to imitate the color of the Aetas which is the first settlers of the Panay Island.

Here are the list of participants for the Dinagyang Festival (partial list):

Iloilo Dinagyang Festival Ati Competition

1. Tribu Paghidaet
2. Tribu Ilonganon
3. Ang Taga Jaro
4. Tribu Silak
5. Tribu Atub-Atub
6. Tribu Panagat ( formerly Tribu Parianon)
7. Tribu Pag-asa
8. Tribu Pana-ad
9. Tribu Molave
10. Tribu Aninipay
11. Tribu Binhi
12. Tribu Milagrosa (formerly Tribu Baryohanon)
13. Tribu Bantu
14. Tribu Hamili
15. Tribu Angola
16. Tribu Himala
17. Tribu Himal- us
18. Tribu Bola- Bola

Iloilo Dinagyang Festival Kasadyahan Competition

* Tribu Tinuom - Cabatuan
* Tribu Bayluhay - San Joaquin
* Tribu Saad - Leganes
* Tribu Maragtas - WVSU
* Tribu Mandurriaonon - Mandurriao
* Tribu Banate




For the schedule of activities:

November 6, 2009 (12nn) - Local Launch of Dinagyang Festival

December 7, 2009 (3pm) - National Launch of Dinagyang Festival

December 13, 2009 (2pm) - Pamukaw 2009

December 14, 2009 (2pm) - Presentation of Miss Dinagyang 2009 candidates

January 16, 2009 (3pm) - Opening Salvo

January 21, 2009 (7pm) - Coronation Night of Miss Dinagyang 2009

January 22 to 23, 2009 - First Iloilo International Dragon Boat Race Competition

January 23, 2009 (8am) - Dinagyang Drum and Bugle Competition

January 23, 2009 (3pm) - Fluvial Procession

January 24, 2009 (8am) - Kasadyahan Competition

January 24, 2009 (7pm) - International Night

January 25, 2009 (8am) - Dinagyang Ati Competition

January 25, 2009 (7pm) - Iloilo Dinagyang 2009 Awarding Ceremonies


Come and visit us here in Iloilo.