Cadiz’ Golden Dinagsa opens “with a bang”

CADIZ City’s Dinagsa Festival opened yesterday afternoon “with a bang”.

The 17-day festivity started at 3:30 p.m. with a motorcade around the city followed by the official launching of the 50th Dinagsa Festival led by Mayor Salvador Escalante, Jr. at the grandstand.

Simultaneous with the launching of Golden Dinagsa was the opening of the Fiesta Fair along San Juan Street where local produce of Cadiz was showcased and sold. The presentation of 10 candidates vying for this year’s Dinagsa Queen crown served as one of the highlights of the kickoff ceremony.

At 7 p.m., the Patikanay “Neon” Drumbeating Competition took take center stage, followed by a street party. To cap the night, a grand fireworks display wowed the crowd.

Mayor Escalante invited everyone to come and feel the “vibes” of the city’s Golden Dinagsa.

“This is just the beginning, and we promise to showcase more fantastic events in the coming days,” Escalante said.

Beyond the opening, the Golden Dinagsa was also highlighted by various sporting events that included “Palumba Bugsay.”

“Paralympiada” for special kids with special needs was also one of the “flavors” of Golden Dinagsa, said the mayor.

“Paralympiada is our simple way to honor our patron saint, Senor Santo de Cadiz thus it has a special place in our hearts.” He added: “On Jan. 20, we also have our province-wide painting competition open to all professional and amateur artists in the entire Negros Occidental.”

A P100,000 cash prize awaits the grand winner, the mayor announced. Above all, Dinagsa’s Sinaot Cadiznon Street Dance Competition and the much-awaited “lamhitanay sa dalan” will “colorize” the final day on Jan. 28.

“So, what are you waiting for? Come to Cadiz kag mag-Dinagsa na mag-lamhitanay kita!” capped Escalante.