Dinagyang at Iloilo

   Festivals are important in the lives of Filipinos because they are reminded every year to celebrate. To celebrate despite the struggles with the everyday challenges. Despite the status they have in society, a time to celebrate has always it's space.

Taken at Iloilo Sports Complex

   Iloilo City celebrates yearly the Dinagyang Festival.The rootword is dagyang, in Hiligaynon which means to make happy. Dinagyang is a progressive word which means merry-making. It is a religious and cultural activity where in the people are painted in black to represent the Negritos who are the settlers of Panay Island. They also wear with them colorful costumes and dancing with the loud sound of drums. Usually there are about 10-15 participating tribes whose participants are from the high schools of the city. The performance is about praising the child Sto Nino. A replica of Sto Nino was brought to San Jose Parish Chruch in Iloilo City from Cebu. The Ilonggos honored the image and decided then to have a festival every 4th week of January as their way of thanking the image. A mass is held first thing in the morning at the San Jose Parish Church before the proclamation of the opening of Dinagyang Festival by the city mayor. 

colorful

tribes carrying replica of Santo Niño

But what makes Dinagyang more special and worth going? It has been my own ritual of watching Dinagyang Festival and not a single year that I have missed it. It's been a long process of thinking why am I doing this. And eventually, by and by I realized that it's not only about filling my eyes with colorful presentations or feeding my ears with loud dancing musics. But it's about emptying my heart from the distractions everywhere and focusing only to the faith which is indestructible. The story of the presentation of the tribes is a whole package. From the expression of sadness, grief and suffering up to the expression of joy, celebration and love. All of these are examples of how the Ilonggos trust in their faith to Sto Nino. 

The festival does not only focus on the performance itself but it is also a time to party. Clubs, bands, food festivals are everywhere during the said event. People go out to dine with their family and friends with the live bands. Streets of Iloilo City are filled of people walking because no cars are allowed and they have the time to socialize with other people. New friends and partners are usually built in this kind of festival. Unforgettable memories are once again refilled. No wonder why Dinagyang festival was declared as the Best Tourism Event in the Philippines. A full packed event that can re energize your physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. The Ilonggos are very much pleased if you try to visit Iloilo city during Dinagyang Festival. We are in the City of Love, we welcome people with our own unique way. Try it and you'll keep coming back. 

Dinagyang Festival Photos:
by Al Rabara