Here are 6 things to do during Iloilo’s Dinagyang Festival amid pandemic

Every last Sunday of January, Iloilo City’s streets are filled with music and thousands of people in colorful outfits as the city celebrates the Dinagyang Festival in honor of the Sto. Niño.

However, with the pandemic still raging on, some things have been changed to ensure health protocols are in place.

If you’re a fan of this annual festival, here are a few things to look forward to in the City of Love’s colorful festival.

1. Join the festivities from the comfort of your own home.

For those who are staying indoors and practicing social distancing, you now have the option to join the Dinagyang Festival from the comfort of your own home!

You can now participate and see the different shows lined up on screen. Although joining virtually is an option during the Dinagyang Festival, some activities are open for Ilonggos to partake in as long as health protocols are strictly followed.

2. Watch the Dinagyang Warrior Fashion Show.

Filipinos worldwide can watch the colorful performances at the Dinagyang Warrior Fashion Show! Aside from the stunning Dinagyang warrior costumes to be paraded down a 41-meter runway, performances from the Dinagyang tribes will also be featured at the event.

For those who wish to watch the show virtually, simply check Festive Walk Iloilo’s Facebook page. For those who will attend, wearing the proper personal protective equipment is advised.

The fashion show will be held at Megaworld Boulevard on Jan. 23, 8 p.m.

3. Buy locally made products.

In celebration of Dinagyang Festival, the Indoor Atrium of Festive Walk Mall at Iloilo Business Park will be selling locally made products such as hablon and banig bags.

Showcasing Ilonggos’ craftsmanship, the event will be held Jan. 20 to 24 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

4. Drive-thru and eat Ilonggo delicacies at the Dinagyang Food Fest.

To ensure people stay safe, the Dinagyang Food Festival will be featuring drive-thru, pick-ups and delivery options for those who want to get a taste of Iloilo’s delicacies.

After buying from the food fest, you can enjoy the Ilonggo cuisine at the comfort of your own home.

This activity will be open from Jan. 22 to 24 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Festival Walk Parade.

5. Cheer on bikers wearing Dinagyang headdresses during the Fun Bike Ride event.

On Jan. 24, 7 a.m., the Iloilo Business Park is set to welcome over 500 to 700 bikers as Iloilo showcases its “bike-friendly city.” Some of these bikers will even be wearing Dinagyang headdresses to showcase the festive spirit.

The Dinagyang Fun Bike Ride event will be held specifically at the Park Square, Iloilo Business Park.

6. Witness the burst of colors at the Light Show.

For the festival’s grand finale, a dazzling light show is set to light up the skies.

The event will be held at the Park Square, Iloilo Business Park, on Jan. 24, 5 p.m. – Kaela Malig/RC, GMA News