What changes at Dinagyang 2027? Routes, flaglets, bigger processions

ILOILO CITY — After drawing criticism for changes to the 2026 festivities, the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI) is promising a more organized 2027 Dinagyang Festival. The plans include the return of traditional performance routes and street decorations, and expanded religious activities.

IFFI President Ronald Latap said the foundation is considering feedback from the 2026 celebration as it prepares major changes for next year.

“We promise that Dinagyang 2027 will be better, more peaceful, and more organized. We listened to all the negative feedback from last year, and we will improve everything,” Latap said on the sidelines of the festival’s grand launch and 100-day countdown at SM City Iloilo on Oct. 24.

Among the major changes are the return of colorful banderitas, the staging of performances in the city’s central district, and five carousel-style judging areas within the city.

Latap said IFFI will also highlight the festival’s religious roots through a bigger fluvial parade, foot procession, and Sadsad activity in collaboration with San Jose Placer Parish.

Dinagyang, held every January, honors the Santo Niño and pairs tribe performances with religious rites.

The changes follow criticism of the 2026 festival. Organizers initially prohibited decorative flaglets and moved to abandon the traditional carousel-style route, using fewer venues and extending performances to the Iloilo Sports Complex in La Paz district.

Latap said the success of next year’s celebration would depend heavily on cooperation among the city and provincial governments, IFFI, San Jose Placer Parish, sponsors, the Department of Education (DepEd), and barangays.

He called on Ilonggos to strengthen their cooperation as preparations for the 2027 celebration continue.

“As we watch a spectacular glimpse of what awaits us in the Dinagyang 2027, we are reminded that a festival of this magnitude is never a work of a single hand. It is the masterpiece painted by an entire community,” he said.

City cites identity, economic gains

Iloilo City Mayor Raisa S. Treñas-Chu, in a message delivered by Councilor Mandrie Malabor, described Dinagyang as an important part of Ilonggo identity. She said it brings generations together through faith, cultural traditions, tribal performances, and colorful costumes.

She said the festival also contributes to the local economy by generating opportunities for hotels, restaurants, transport providers, merchants, artists, and small businesses.

Treñas-Chu said the city aims to expand tourism while preserving the culture and values that define Iloilo. She urged organizers and residents to ensure that future celebrations remain meaningful to both visitors and the local community.

“Let us continue to make Dinagyang a celebration that honors our past, inspires our present, and gives our future generations something worth preserving,” she said.

Province pledges support

Iloilo Provincial Tourism Officer Aulynn Yue Sin likewise expressed the provincial government’s support for the 2027 festival. She described Dinagyang as a symbol of the faith, cultural heritage, unity, and collective pride of Iloilo.

Sin said the celebration could further strengthen cooperation between the city and provincial governments in tourism and cultural promotion. She said it also showcases the hospitality, talent, and resilience of Ilonggos.

She stressed that the festival’s success depends on the contributions of communities, public servants, cultural workers, performers, volunteers, sponsors, and organizers.

“May we continue to uphold the values embodied by Dinagyang: faith, unity, excellence, and love for our heritage,” she added.

On Oct. 21, the 2025 Iloilo Dinagyang Festival, themed “Buhi nga Pagtuo sa Kinabuhi sang mga Ilonggo,” was named Best Cultural Festival at the 2026 Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) Pearl Awards in Ormoc City.