IT'S so fun to see more or less half a million residents and domestic and foreign tourists enjoying this year's 49th Dinagsa Festival in Cadiz City, which peaked on Saturday, January 28, 2023.

The "lamhitanay" or the smothering of water-based paints in one's face and some body parts of those who joined the street party and festivity was the come-on of the festival.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson was seen with Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante plus some provincial and local officials such as Association of Chief Executives (ACE) President Victorias City Mayor Javier Benitez who joined the Local Government of Cadiz and its people in the festivity which was also halted for two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

As the city government allowed the return of this festival in honour of Senior Sto. Nino, the festival's version of Ati-Atihan dances has drawn the attention of those who came to the city and those watching social media which was flooded by photos and videos of street partygoers smothering their faces and bodies with different colors of paints.

Even vehicles were not spared from the smothering of paints as festival-goers cannot control the euphoric exhibition of their fun and merriment.

Mayor Escalante and his fellow officials were grateful that the festival went on smoothly and peacefully.

Known as the City of Whales, Cadiz City is also known for its seafood and dried fish.

THE WINNERS

Tribu Tinambi Tres was named the champion in the festival's street dance competition and received a P200,000 cash prize and P1 million worth of government-funded projects.

It also bagged special awards such as the Most Disciplined Tribe, Best in Costume, Best in Sound/Rhythm, and Best in Performance.

The tribe's participants were from Barangays Tinampaan, Mabini and Zone 3.

Tribu Hitalon was named 1st runner-up with a P150,000 cash prize and P600,000 worth of government-funded projects. Tribu Bucadcad was named 2nd runner-up with a P100,000 cash prize and P400,000 worth of government-funded projects. Tribu Sicablun Quatro was named 3rd runner-up with a P75,000 cash prize and a trophy.

Meanwhile, Tribu Manara, Yabyab Doongol, Majeca and Tigbanda received a consolation prize of P50,000 for each tribe.

Mayor Escalante said that the festival has helped boost the local economy with the influx of more than 500,000 people this year's festival.*