Dinagyang 2026 events may move to Iloilo Sports Complex

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI) is considering transferring the major events of the 2026 Dinagyang Festival to the Iloilo Sports Complex in La Paz district to accommodate more spectators.

“We are consulting stakeholders if we can transfer to the Iloilo Sports Complex our Dinagyang Festival,” said Eric Divinagracia, Dinagyang Festival director and artistic director.

Divinagracia said the proposed venue would allow “twice the size” of the performance stage compared to the current setup at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand.

Organizers are still deciding whether the events will begin at the Freedom Grandstand and end at the sports complex or vice versa.

The Iloilo Sports Complex’s main stadium can seat about 7,000 people, in addition to its oval track and football field, while the Freedom Grandstand along Muelle Loney Street has a capacity of around 4,000.

Key festival events include the Dinagyang Tribes Competition, Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan, and the ILOmination and Parade of Lights.

For the main day of the celebration, Divinagracia said activities may open with the Sadsad sa Calle Real, followed by the Dinagyang Tribes Competition in the afternoon.

This is not the first time the festival has considered the sports complex as a venue, as some major performances were held there in 2012, alongside events at the Freedom Grandstand and Capitol grounds.

“We had this in 2012 and now with the new technology, we can put better speakers, better LED walls, so that more people can watch the Dinagyang and it will be more accessible […] But we will still feel it,” Divinagracia said.

He added that initial talks with Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. were promising, with the governor giving initial approval to the proposal.

Participants in the open category have also expressed support for the venue change.

With the larger space at the sports complex, the IFFI is studying the possibility of easing restrictions on props used by competing tribes.

On Wednesday, Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu led the grand kickoff of the 100-day countdown to the internationally recognized festival at SM City Iloilo.

The 2026 Dinagyang Festival carries the theme “Bugay sang Ginoo, Bugal sang mga Ilonggo” (Blessings of the Lord, Pride of the Ilonggos).

Competing groups for the Dinagyang Tribe Competition (Open Category):
• Tribu Bulawanon sang Molo – Molo District
• Tribu Ilonganon – Jalandoni Memorial National High School
• Tribu Taga Baryo – Bo. Obrero, Lapuz
• Tribu Salognon – Jaro National High School
• Tribu Ilayanhon – Graciano Lopez Jaena Elementary School
• Tribu Pan-ay – Fort San Pedro National High School
• Tribu Paghidaet – La Paz National High School

Barangay contingents for Sadsad sa Calle Real:
• Tribu Parianon
• Tribu Yrong-Yrong
• Tribu Aninipay
• Tribu Familia Sagasa
• Tribu Molave
• Tribu Panaad