245K join Dinagyang 2026 as festival evolves

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Dinagyang Festival drew massive crowds over several days as Ilonggos and visitors from across the country gathered for its cultural, religious and entertainment events.

The Iloilo City Emergency Operations Center reported that more than 245,000 people participated in Dinagyang activities from Jan. 23–25, 2026.

The festival opened on Jan. 23, 2026, with major highlights including Dinagyang ILOmination: Festival of Lights and the Float Parade of Lights staged at Atria, SM City and Megaworld.

The opening-night events attracted about 86,000 spectators, according to city officials.

The fluvial procession and the solemn foot procession of the image of Señor Sto. Niño drew around 10,000 devotees.

On Jan. 24, 2026, Festive Mardi Gras attracted about 3,000 spectators.

Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan on the same day drew a combined 18,500 spectators across the Freedom Grandstand with 7,000, the Iloilo Sports Complex with 8,000 and Gaisano Lapaz with 3,500.

The grand Religious Sadsad held at Plaza Libertad attracted about 8,500 participants.

The Dinagyang Tribes Competition on Jan. 25 drew about 26,000 spectators across three judging areas.

The Freedom Grandstand hosted about 10,000 spectators during the competition.

The Iloilo Sports Complex recorded around 8,000 spectators for the same event.

Gaisano Lapaz also drew about 8,000 spectators for the tribes competition.

Sadsad sa Calle Real and the Downtown Food Fest attracted another 3,200 attendees.

Food festivals held in City Proper, the Provincial Capitol, Megaworld, Delgado and Plazoleta Gay collectively drew about 50,000 visitors.

Concerts and fireworks displays headlined by various artists and bands attracted an estimated 35,000 spectators.

Innovation and inclusivity

Dinagyang 2026 highlighted not only attendance figures but also the festival’s continued evolution.

Long known for its devotion and spectacle, the Dinagyang Festival introduced new measures focused on innovation and inclusivity this year.

Organizers said these changes reaffirm the festival’s theme, “Dinagyang Para Sa Tanan!” or a festival for all.

Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI) President Angel De Leon Jr. said Dinagyang 2026 reflects an evolving celebration that pushes creative boundaries while remaining accessible to more people without losing its spiritual core.

He said the festival remains centered on devotion to Señor Sto. Niño.

This year, the IFFI increased the number of dancers per tribe from 80 to between 100 and 150.

The number of drum beaters per tribe was also increased from 70 to 100 to intensify the scale and energy of performances.

Artistic directors of participating tribes were given greater creative freedom with fewer restrictions on props and presentation.

“We promise you a Dinagyang that will push boundaries,” De Leon said.

“We deliver not only a promise, but we also believe that we are able to achieve this by the three core pillars: innovation, inclusivity, and the deep Ilonggo identity,” he added.

“This year’s Dinagyang is bigger, louder, and more innovative,” he said.

De Leon stressed that the festival belongs to the people and must continue to grow with them.

“Dinagyang is always a Dinagyang Para Sa Lahat or Dinagyang Para Sa Tanan — a festival for everyone,” he said.

“Dinagyang belongs to the people,” he added.

While performance areas were trimmed down this year, the IFFI increased seating capacity with the return of the Iloilo Sports Complex as a performance venue.

From previously accommodating only a few hundred spectators, the festival this year offered about 9,000 seats.

General admission ticket prices were kept as low as PHP 300 to allow more Ilonggos and visitors to watch performances live.

Raisa Treñas-Chu said Dinagyang continues to embrace innovation while remaining rooted in faith, culture and Ilonggo identity.

She said the festival serves not only as a cultural showcase but also as a unifying force that strengthens community pride and shared prosperity.

Treñas-Chu said innovation and inclusivity ensure that Dinagyang remains relevant, meaningful and accessible.

She emphasized that these efforts also honor the festival’s role as a religious devotion and a defining symbol of Iloilo.

“Dinagyang continues to innovate,” she said.

“We embrace new ideas and new platforms, but we will remain firmly grounded in the heart and soul of this celebration,” she added.

“Because at its core, Dinagyang has always been and will always be an expression of our unwavering faith and the devotion to Señor Santo Niño,” she said.

The mayor also highlighted the cultural, economic and spiritual significance of the festival.

She described Dinagyang as a celebration that helps define Ilonggo identity and supports the city’s growth.

“Beyond the drums, the dances, and the vibrant colors, Dinagyang plays a vital role in the life of the city,” she said.

“It is a powerful engine of tourism, and economic activity,” she added.

Treñas-Chu assured the public that the festival would continue to grow in excellence and impact.

She said Dinagyang will do so while keeping its religious and spiritual essence at the center of the celebration.