Dinagyang Festival Wins Two International Awards

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Iloilo City’s Dinagyang Festival has earned two prestigious international honors, further solidifying its global status as a premier cultural celebration.

The festival was named Best Overall Entertainment Program at the Pinnacle Awards Asia 2025 and Best Dynamic Festival, Dancing Festival 2025 at the Festival Awards Asia.

These accolades mark a historic first for the Philippines in both award-giving bodies of the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA).

Festival Director Eric Divinagracia and Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI) Director for Culture and Arts Initiatives Elvert Bañares personally received the awards at the Gyeongju Hwabaek International Convention Center in South Korea on March 21.

The Best Dynamic Festival award was presented by IFEA President Dr. Jeong Gang-Hoan, who was also inducted into the World Pinnacle Awards Hall of Fame.

The Dinagyang Festival has a long record of both national and international recognition.

It was named Asia-Pacific Folklore Festival of 2024 at the Asia Festival Awards in Thailand and Best Festival in the Visayas at the 2024 Philippine LEAF Awards.

In 2022, it received the Best Cultural Festival (City Category) from the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) Pearl Awards.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dinagyang’s 2021 virtual edition was lauded as Best Tourism Practice During the Pandemic (Special Category).

In 2020, it won Grand Champion – Best Tourism Event (Festival) in Contemporary/Nontraditional Expression.

From 2006 to 2008, ATOP recognized it as the Best Tourism Event in the Philippines.

Divinagracia and Bañares dedicated the latest awards to the Filipino people, especially Ilonggos, and all stakeholders who have contributed to Dinagyang’s continued success.

They expressed gratitude to Señor Sto. Niño, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, IFFI President Allan Ryan Tan, IFFI Chair Judgee Peña, the festival board, local government units, artistic teams, sponsors, performers, and partner organizations.

Celebrated for its vibrant street performances and unwavering devotion to the Sto. Niño, the Dinagyang Festival is also set to perform in Auckland, New Zealand, and Osaka, Japan this year following formal invitations from both cities.