ILOILO Dinagyang levels up with a 360-degree showcase in its 2020 edition in perfect vision of spectators.
New organizer Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI) sets innovations for a whole new Dinagyang experience themed “Perfect Vision: Celebrating the Ilonggo Spirit in Honor of Senior Santo Niño” that climaxes January next year.
“Dinagyang 360 is an arena theater-type performance. The presentation is a design challenge. Judges will be positioned on all four sides, north, east, west, and south. The change is also to democratize the limited space in four stages,” said Eric Divinagracia, chair of tribes and artistic committee.
“The concept revolves around three aspects including indigenous culture of Ati, devotion to Santo Niño and dagyang or merry-making. We have to showcase Ilonggo values portrayed in bountiful harvest or helping one another, among others. These should be shown in the color and texture used by participants,” he explained.
Eight tribes: Tribu Barriohanon of Bo. Obrero National High School (NHS); Tribu Binhi of Melchor L. Nava NHS; Tribu Dagatnon of Ramon Avanceña Memorial NHS; Tribu Hugponganon of Tiu Cho Teg-Ana Ros Foundation Integrated School; Tribu Ilonganon of Jalandoni NHS; Tribu Paghidaet of La Paz NHS; Tribu Panayanon of Iloilo City NHS; and Tribu Salognon of Jaro NHS will give life to Dinagyang 360 in four judging areas Freedom Grandstand, Iznart-Solis St., Ledesma-Valeria St., and Ma. Clara St. on Jan. 26, 2020.
“It’s a turnaround as we re-conceptualize for 2020 perfect vision. It is bringing back to the people a festival that is inclusive and open for all. Street-dancing will be participative as we want as many to be part of the celebration,” Divinagracia stressed.
“Ilonggo art is expressed by Dinagyang warriors dancing to drumbeats or rhythm of the streets. Art is always in flux and Dinagyang is always changing. Although 360 is not new, it aims to capture today’s generation,” he added. (PR)