The biggest Dinagyang events in Iloilo Business Park

By Joseph B.A. Marzan

 

The annual Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo has been attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors in the city every January to witness the pomp and circumstance of Ilonggos dressed in tribal garb and performing in the streets to honor the Señor Sto. Niño.

During the festival, locals and tourists alike enjoy the sights and sound through the vibrant and colorful street dances, float parade. And of course, taste the Ilonggo cuisine and locally-made products to take home.

Due to the global pandemic, the Dinagyang Festival takes on a different approach in the new normal.

While most of the activities will be done virtually, Ilonggos will still have the opportunity to enjoy the vibrant colors and sounds of the festival.

The Iloilo Business Park (IBP) in Mandurriao district takes center stage as it will host the major activities of the festival this year.

Activities lined up include the One Iloilo Dinagyang Fair, the Dinagyang Food Walk, the Dinagyang Warriors Fashion Show, the Dinagyang Fun Bike Ride, and the Closing Ceremony and Light Show.

The One Iloilo Dinagyang Trade Fair will be held from January 20 to 24, from 10:00AM to 10:00PM at the Indoor Atrium of the Festive Walk Mall.

The trade fair, done in partnership with local ecommerce website One Iloilo, will highlight local products from Iloilo such as Hablon-woven products, buri and banig bags, more arts and crafts, and various Ilonggo delicacies.

More food choices await at the Dinagyang Food Walk which will be held at the Festive Walk Parade from January 22 to 24, from 4:00PM to 10:00PM.  Food purchase will be available for take-out and delivery as well as drive-through.

On January 23, the vibrant colors of the Dinagyang Festival will be on full display during the

Dinagyang Warrior Fashion Show on January 23 at 8:00PM at Megaworld Boulevard.

Cycling enthusiasts can enjoy a fun and leisurely bike ride by joining the Dinagyang Fun Bike Ride. IBP will host the fun bike ride on January 24 at 7:00PM, kicking off at the Park Square.

A Closing Ceremony at Park Square on January 24 at 5:00PM will be held, together with the Iloilo City Government and the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc.

This will include an awarding ceremony for winners of the various Dinagyang contests, and a magnificent closing light show highlighting the beauty of the Casa Emperador as its foreground.

To make sure that guests remain safe while enjoying the festivities, IBP puts firm emphasis on implementing strict minimum health and safety protocols including:

– Mandatory wearing of face masks and face shields at all times;

– Strict observance of physical distancing;

– Regular washing and sanitizing of hands, with alcohol and hand washing stations available in all event venues;

– Cashless payment options are encouraged to minimize contact among guests and visitors; and

– Digital contact tracing will be implemented through Quick Response (QR) codes in all entrances.

In addition to their existing protocols, the IBP has partnered with The Medical City Iloilo and popular soap brand Safeguard to enhance capability in making sure that guests remain safe and have access to the necessary sanitation tools all around their premises.

A dedicated sanitation team will also make rounds to clean, disinfect, and sanitize common areas inside Festive Walk Mall and all other buildings within the IBP every hour, from the time it opens in the morning until it closes in the evening.

Events and activities will also be livestreamed on their official platforms so people can follow the happenings on their devices.