What is Dinagyang Festival
The Dinagyang Festival is an annual cultural and religious event held on the fourth Sunday of January in Iloilo City, Philippines. It is celebrated in honor of the Santo Niño, or the Child Jesus, and commemorates the arrival of Malay settlers in Panay and the subsequent purchase of the locale from the Atis, the indigenous people of Panay.
History of Dinagyang Festival
The festival traces its origins back to 1967 when a replica of the image of Santo Niño de Cebu was brought to Iloilo City and the city held a religious procession for the local devotees. By 1969, the Iloilo Dinagyang Festival was formally launched, evolving into a more elaborate and organized festivity in the years that followed.
Inspired by the Ati-Atihan festival of Aklan, members of a local civic club, the Iloilo City Dinagyang Foundation Inc., incorporated aspects of street dancing, into the festival, leading to its growth into a major tourist attraction. Various tribes from within and outside Iloilo annually participate, wearing elaborate costumes and performing choreographed dances to the rhythm of drums.
Festival Events and Highlights
- Ati Tribe Dance Competition
- Kasadyahan Cultural Parade and Competition
- Religious Fluvial Procession
- Food festivals and street markets
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is the Dinagyang Festival celebrated?
The Dinagyang Festival is celebrated annually on the fourth Sunday of January.
2. What are the main events during the Dinagyang Festival?
The festival includes the Ati Tribe Dance Competition, Kasadyahan Cultural Parade, and a religious fluvial procession among other events.
3. What is the significance of Santo Niño in the Dinagyang Festival?
The festival is held in honor of the Santo Niño, symbolizing the child Jesus, which is a significant religious icon for Filipinos.
4. How did the Dinagyang Festival start?
It started in 1967 with the arrival of a Santo Niño image from Cebu and later evolved into a larger festival involving local civic clubs and cultural performances.
5. Why is Dinagyang Festival considered important for Iloilo?
It is a major cultural event that draws tourists, promotes local traditions, and stimulates economic activity in Iloilo City.
