BY GEROME M. DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – Thunderous drums and lively music filled the air at the Freedom Grandstand on Muelle Loney Street in this city when the tribes started performing during the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan on Saturday, Jan. 27.
Clad in intricate and vibrant costumes, nine festivals from various municipalities in Iloilo province showcased their town’s rich cultural heritage.
Banaag Festival of Anilao
Themed “Fun, Foodie, Friendly Iloilo Province,” the provincial government led the participating festivals in highlighting the province’s colorful tapestry, rich culture, and unique customs.
Mayor Jerry P. Treñas voiced his gratitude to Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. for taking the lead in managing the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan, which he said has been an integral part of the Dinagyang Festival.
He said the towns’ festivals gave impressive and captivating performances by highlighting the province’s rich history, culture, and tradition; abundant resources; and loving and friendly Ilonggos.
“This year was indeed a grander celebration of our Kasadyahan due to a stronger commitment from the Iloilo provincial government under Governor Toto Defensor. My warmest congratulations!” said Treñas.
The city mayor also thanked the city government’s other strong partners, the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI) and San Jose Parish Placer, and the participating towns and festival sponsors.
For his part, Gov. Defensor Jr. thanked the city government and the IFFI for allowing them to lead the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan.
“This is a perfect venue to showcase our province’s rich culture, heritage, and traditions and to promote our new tourism slogan “Fun, Foodie, Friendly Iloilo,” said Defensor.
“Dinagyang Festival is a strong testament of our devotion to the Child Jesus. It has shown the resilience of the Ilonggos and the harmonious relationship between the public and private sectors,” the governor added.
Contingents from the nine municipalities performed choreographed intricate dance movements that fused modern and traditional elements.
Wearing a stunning array of costumes and headdresses, the participating tribes pay homage to the rich cultural tapestry of the Visayan region.
Among the crowd favorites were Kaing Festival of Leon, Banaag Festival of Anilao, Tultugan Festival of Maasin, and the Hirinugyaw-Suguidanonay Festival of Calinog.
Accompanied by the rhythmic beats of indigenous drums and lively music, each tribe’s performance told a story, often rooted in local folklore, history, or religious traditions./PN
