
After Cebu's Sinulog and Kalibo's Ati-Atihan Festivals last week, another big one is happening this weekend -- the Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City. It is one of the most-anticipated festivals in the country, and this year's official theme is “Perfect Vision: Celebrating the Ilonggo Spirit in Honor of Senyor Santo Niño."
If you're planning to take part in the festivities there, then better check out the schedule of activities listed below so you can thoroughly plan your Dinagyang 2020 itinerary.
Photo by: missiloilo2020 (IG)
The coronation night of the Miss Iloilo 2020 pageant will be held at 7:00pm at the Cultural Hall of the West Visayas State University.
Photo by: PanayNews and Iloilo Dinagyang 2020 (FB)
The Ilonggo Food Festival will be held along Delgado Street as part of the Dinagyang festivities. It has been reported that uniformed food kiosks made with bamboo will be built for the event, costing around PhP3,500 each.
The Tambor Trumpa Martsa Musika event is a parade and competition among musical marching bands from different schools. It will be held at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand at 8:00am.
Photo by: Explore Iloilo and @Iloilo Dinagyang 2020 (FB)
The fluvial procession will begin at 3:00pm, where a boat carrying the images of the Sto. Niño will travel from Fort San Pedro to Muelle Loney Street. It will be followed by a solemn foot procession, which will pass by the Provincial Capitol and then proceed to the San Jose Parish Church.
Photo by: ilonggotraveler (FB)
The glowing parade of elaborately decorated floats will begin at 6:00pm at the Diversion Road/Sen. Benigno Aquino Ave. and end at the Iloilo Business Park.
After the Floats Parade of Lights, be sure to catch the beautiful fireworks display at the Iloilo Business Park (9:00pm) and at SM Iloilo (9:30pm).
Image source: Panay News and @iloilocitygov (FB)
Dagyang sa Calle Real will replace the Kasadyahan competition. It is a religious street dancing activity or 'sadsad,' where nine barangay-based tribes will be competing. Dance performances will be done in the whole stretch of Calle Real from 8:00am to 1:00pm.
Image source: Explore Iloilo and @Iloilo Dinagyang 2020 (FB)
The Dinagyang Festive Parade is a street dance parade participated in by private companies. It will begin at 2:00pm at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand. There will be four performance stages and above is a photo of the parade's route.
Photo by: Iloilo Dinagyang 2020 (FB) and apinoyinkorea (Blogspot)
The religious sadsad is a devotion to the Sto. Niño done by chanting and dancing to rhythmic music while holding images of the Sto. Niño. It will be held at 7:00pm at the San Jose Parish Church, across Plaza Libertad.
On the last day of the Dinagyang Festival, a Holy Mass will be celebrated at the San Jose Parish Church at 6:00am.
Image Source: Dinagyang sa Iloilo website and @Iloilo Dinagyang 2020 (FB)
This was formerly called the Ati-Ati competition. Its new name was derived from the arena-type presentation of the competing tribes' performances, giving the audience a 360-degree view. It will be held at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand, starting at 7:00am.
This is the final event of the Dinagyang Festival. It will begin at 7:00pm at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand. Aside from an awarding ceremony, there will be performances by Pinoy bands and a spectacular fireworks display.
Hope this helps you in planning your Iloilo trip this weekend. We bet you're excited to chant "Hala bira, Iloilo!" and "Viva, Senyor Sto. Niño!" at the Dinagyang Festival. Stay safe and have fun!