Continuing a tradition of love for faith and culture, Cadiz City, the ‘Land of Splendid Opportunities,’ in Negros Occidental celebrated the Dinagsa Festival with unmistakable energy and passion, and the most vibrant of colors that have brought out the best of Cadiz for the past 52 years.

Festivities on January 25, 2026 kicked off with a Holy Mass presided by Rev. Fr. Sunday Brasona, grounding the celebration in faith and thanksgiving in Honor of the city’s patron, Señor Sto. Nino de Cadiz.

After the Mass, Mayor Salvador Escalante, Jr. declared the Street Dancing Competition open in the presence of competing tribes, city officials, and festival-goers.

The city says the Dinagsa Festival “stands firmly on faith and the true meaning of the celebration” – that is, an outpouring of blessings and grace, of livelihood, hope, and people united as one.

“In honor of Señor Sto. Niño de Cadiz, we celebrate our shared history and continuing progress through the most colorful and biggest street party, where Cadiznons and festival-goers gather in joy and gratitude.”

And locals and visitors, indeed, took part in the celebration, pouring out into the streets of Cadiz to cheer for the tribes in the Street Dancing Competition and indulge in fun and friendship in the Lamhitanay sa Dalan, two major highlights of the Dinagsa Festival.

In the Lamhitanay sa Dalan, revelers took part in what the local government describes as a “peaceful, vibrant, and breathtaking street spectacle” where music and laughter brought out the warmth of Cadiznons for their visitors. With the estimated 300,000 attendees in 2026, the city is now setting its sights on a Guinness World Record for the Lamhitanay sa Dalan to be declared the world’s largest paint party for 2027.

“Lamhitanay sa Dalan transformed the city into a living, breathing masterpiece, where barriers disappeared, strangers became friends, and everyone danced in the same joyful chaos,” the city says of the successful event.

WINNING TRIBES

Meanwhile, Tribu Sicablun Quatro, a cluster of Barangay Zone 4, Barangay Luna, and Barangay Sicaba, was named grand champion in the Street Dancing Competition.

Major Awards:

• Grand Champion - Tribu Sicablun Quatro (Barangay Zone 4, Barangay Luna, and Barangay Sicaba)

• 1st Runner-Up - Tribu Tinambi Tres (Barangay Tinampa-an, Barangay Zone 3, and Barangay Mabini)

• 2nd Runner-Up - Tribu Tibanda (Barangay Banquerohan, Barangay Daga, and Barangay Tiglawigan)

• 3rd Runner-Up - Tribu Bucad Burgos r(Barangay Burgos, Barangay Cadiz Viejo, and Barangay Caduha-an)

Minor Awards:

• Best in Costume - Tribu Sicablun Quatro

• Best in Sound/Rhythm - Tribu Sicablun Quatro

• Best in Performance - Tribu Sicablun Quatro

• Best in Choreography - Tribu Sicablun Quatro

• Most Disciplined - Tribu Sicablun Quatro

• Best Choreographers - Ronie Besana and Jason Pajunting

• Best Sound Composers - Brandy Duplian and Brand Paul Dupluan

• Best Costume Designer - Michael Balquin

Consolation prizes were also awarded to Tribu Bonizon Uno Sais (Barangay Andres Bonifacio, Barangay Zone 1, Barangay Zone 6), Tribu Maraynon (Barangay Zone 2 and Barangay Zone 5), Tribu Balaan (Barangay Jerusalem, Barangay Cabahug, Barangay Magsaysay), and Tribu Sewanara (Barangay VF Gustilo and Barangay Celestino Villacin).

In a message, Mayor Salvador Escalante, Jr. wishes for the spirit of Dinagsa – carved out of the Cadiznons’ faith in the Child Jesus – to continue to inspire those who believe and support the celebration.

“To my fellow Cadiznons, visitors and guests from near and far – my heart goes out to you for sharing in the joy, pride and vibrant spirit of our city. Your presence and zeal remind us that Dinagsa is more than just a festival. It is a celebration of life, our culture, our faith and our resilience as a people. It is a testament of our unity as one Cadiznon community, bonded together in a culture of compassion and a mindset of excellence… As we meet the days ahead, may the spirit of Dinagsa continue to inspire us to work together, support one another, and build a stronger and united Cadiz City for all,” he says.