CELEBRATING FAITH, CULTURE AND COMMUNITY: 100 Days to Dinagyang 2025 officially kicks off

Anticipation is building for the Iloilo Dinagyang Festival 2025 as revealed during the grand kickoff of the 100-day countdown at SM City Iloilo on Friday night, October 18, 2024.

Festival organizers are gearing up for a bigger and brighter celebration, promising new developments that will elevate this much-loved cultural and religious festival.

There is a new twist in the festival which is the “open” Dinagyang Tribes competition this year, where contingents from barangays and schools will compete head-to-head.

Eight dynamic groups are set to perform: Tribu Paghidaet (La Paz National High School), Tribu Salognon (Jaro National High School), Tribu Parianon (Iloilo City National High School), Tribu Ilonganon (Jalandoni Memorial National High School), Tribu Pag-asa kang Manduryaw (Mandurriao National High School), Tribu Hangaway (Graciano Lopez Jaena Elementary School), Tribu Molave (Barangay San Rafael, Mandurriao), and Tribu Pan-ay (Fort San Pedro National High School).

With an increase in subsidies from P1.4 million to P1.8 million, tribes will receive financial support to ensure their performances are more spectacular than ever. “These will be distributed in tranches,” said Alan Ryan Tan, President of Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI), highlighting the foundation’s commitment to supporting these groups.

One of the major highlights will be a revamped ILOmination, transforming the event into a national “Festival of Light Festivals of the Philippines.” Artistic Director Eric Divinagracia teased that various lighted festivals from across the country have been invited to compete, making this year’s ILOmination brighter and more vibrant. “We will illuminate the nation and make our devotion to Señor Sto. Niño shine brighter,” he shared, adding that this year’s ILOmination will be a competition, further intensifying the spectacle.

The Sadsad sa Calle Real will continue to immerse both locals and visitors in the festivities. Rather than being passive spectators, everyone will have the chance to participate in the traditional street dance, with the “Darling of the Crowd” award up for grabs. “We want our visitors to experience what Dinagyang is like on the streets. They are not just spectators,” emphasized Joyce Clavecillas, Executive Director of IFFI. This interactive celebration aims to deepen the communal spirit and offer a memorable, hands-on experience of Dinagyang’s infectious energy.

In keeping with the evolving spirit of Dinagyang, the organizers unveiled a new festival logo representing the values of Pangpahanggud (Growth), Debosyon (Devotion), Kaalam (Wisdom), Pagkamamugnaon (Creativity), Kabakod (Strength), and Pagkaisganan (Valor). Each value is symbolized in the logo’s design, which forms an image of Señor Sto. Niño.

The theme for the 2025 edition, “Buhi nga Pagtuo sa Kinabuhi sang mga Ilonggo,” reflects the intertwining of faith, culture, and community. It calls for Ilonggos and festival-goers to reflect on how faith has guided Iloilo City through the years, and how it will continue to inspire strength and resilience moving forward.

Here’s a sneak peek at what’s in store for Dinagyang 2025: Pamukaw, Opening Salvo; Miss Iloilo Dinagyang; Señor Sto. Niño Fluvial Procession; Señor Sto. Niño Novena Mass; Religious Motorcade; Food Festival; Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan; Sponsors’ Mardi Gras; Grand Religious Sadsad; Dinagyang ILOmination Street Dance and Floats Parade Competition; Dinagyang Tribes Competition; and the Feast Day of Señor Sto. Niño de Cebu Concelebrated High Mass.

With these exciting developments, the Iloilo Dinagyang Festival 2025 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of faith, culture, and community, where Ilonggos and tourists can experience the spirit of Iloilo like never before.

The kick-off of the 100-day countdown to Dinagyang 2025 was graced by Acting Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon; IFFI officials headed by Mr. Judgee Pena; Mayor Jerry P. Trenas’ daughter Raisa Trenas-Chu; Rev. Fr. Nelson Zerda OSA and other local city officials.