THIS year’s 47th edition of Iloilo Dinagyang Festival promises more fun, color, pageantry, culture, religion and a taste of history as the city unfolds its premier tourist attraction for three days this weekend.
More than a million revelers are expected to troop down city streets to dance and have fun as drum beats reverberate through the air by enticing everyone to shout “Viva Señor Sto. Nino” in veneration of the festival’s patron saint.
Ramon Cua Locsin, chairman of the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc. acknowledged that the local festival is a perfect example of a successful public and private partnership that recognizes the city a perfect place for partnership.
Locsin said the festival climax will be on Sunday, January 25 as the celebration reels on its Ati-atihan competition with side events such as the awarding of Dinagyang Warrior Award to the mayors of Tacurong and Koronadal, Cotabato who have Ilonggo roots.
A total of 21 local government units (LGUs) in the Philippines will showcase its festival costumes here the First Philippine Festival Costume Expo showcasing the costumes and traditions of the areas.
A showcase of at least a dozen sports disciplines will be held here while fireworks dance at the evening skies.
An image of Sto. Niño de Cebu is making the rounds of Iloilo churches and schools by reminding all Ilonggos of their Catholic faith.
Locsin said being in the Dinagyang Festival is a memorable experience for anyone as all roads to the city lead to the Dinagyang festivities. These and many more assure all of pure fun and religiosity.