Dinagyang Festival

Not too far from Kalibo, Aklan is another festival that happens in the month of January.

In the land of sweet mangoes and la paz batchoy (beef noodle soup) is another Philippine festival – the Dinagyang festival of Iloilo. Dinagyang festival is both a cultural and religious festival observed to honor SEÑOR SANTO NIÑO. It happens annually every 4th Sunday of January. This year’s Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo is held on January 23-25 and they have a series of activities ready for locals and visitors coming to take part in the festivities.

Dinagyang is the Ilonggos version of the Ati Atihan festival. The celebration is similar but offers a different way of fun and taste for food. Ilonggos cover their bodies in detailed art using paint and fill in s the streets. It’s like a street party from day ’til night with group of people dancing to upbeat music or tribal beat using the drums. One unique feature of this festival is having the street dancers hold and dance along holding an image of  Senor Santo Nino. You would also hear them shouting “Viva Santo Nino” to give praise and thanks to Santo Nino for a good year and ask for good years to come.

Ilonggos are well known for good food and the hospitality of its people that’s why its a favorite destination for Filipinos and foreigners. 

(Photo grabbed from Iloilo Condominiums)

For more info about, you may check out their official website: http://dinagyangsailoilo.com/.

Written by: Beth Javines