ILOILO City – Eight tribes are competing in the January 2025 edition of Dinagyang Festival.
At yesterday’s kickoff of the 100-day Dinagyang 2025 countdown, the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI) bared the official list of participating tribes.
The competition is “open”, according to IFFI president, Allan Ryan Tan, which means the tribes are a mix of school-based and barangay-based contingents. They are as follows:
* Tribu Paghidaet of La Paz National High School
* Tribu Salognon of Jaro National High School
* Tribu Parianon
* Tribu Ilonganon of Jalandoni Memorial National High School
* Tribu Pag-asa Kang Mandurriao
* Tribu Hangaway
* Tribu Molave
* Tribu Pan-ay of Fort San Pedro National High School
Dinagyang is one of the most vibrant festivals in the country, held annually on the fourth weekend of January. It is known for its colorful and energetic street performances, showcasing elaborate costumes, tribal dancing, and rhythmic drumbeats.
Tribu Pan-ay is the 2024 Dinagyang champion. It went on to become the grand winner in the annual Aliwan Fiesta, a competition of cultural festivals across the nation.
The eight tribes gave a preview of their performances at SM City Iloilo during the Dinagyang 2025 countdown kick off.
IFFI also announced the Dinagyang events that revelers should be looking forward to joining. These are the “Pamukaw”, Opening Salvo, Miss Iloilo, food festival, Sto. Niño fluvial and foot procession, Sto. Niño de Cebu Novena Mass, Sto. Niño religious motorcade, Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan, sponsors mardi gras parade, Grand Religious Sadsad, Ilomination street dance and parade, Dinagyang tribes competition, Feast Day of Sto. Niño de Cebu Concelebrated High Mass, and awarding ceremony.
The specific dates of these events will be announced in the weeks to come.
According to Tan, the Ilomination street dance and parade will be grander. Lighted festivals from across the country have been invited to participate – a first of its kind of gathering in the country.
IFFI also announced it is stepping up its “Visit Iloilo” campaign to attract more tourists to Iloilo City.
“Aside from heritage houses, buildings, and museums, visit Iloilo for its good food. You will always come back for more,” said Mayor Jerry Treñas in the “Visit Iloilo” video campaign that was presented.
Dinagyang Festival has its roots in 1967, when a replica of the Sto. Niño de Cebu was brought to Iloilo City, which sparked devotion among Ilonggos.
In 1969, the festival began to include a reenactment of the Barter of Panay between the native Ati of Panay Island and Malay settlers from Borneo, incorporating indigenous culture into the celebration.
Over the years, Dinagyang has grown into a world-class event, attracting tourists both locally and internationally.
The Ati Tribe Competition is the main event, where tribes perform choreographed dances in elaborate costumes that represent warriors, with synchronized movements and drumbeats in the streets.
The Kasadyahan is another highlight. It is a cultural presentation held as a prelude to the main event, where groups showcase the heritage, traditions, and various aspects of Filipino culture./PN
