ILOILO – The 100-day countdown to the Dinagyang Festival’s highlight on Jan. 22, 2023 officially started on Friday, Oct. 14.
The ceremonial drum beating for the world-class festival held at SM City Iloilo’s Southpoint was led by Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon, Cong. Julienne Baronda, Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI) president Jose Layson Jr., San Jose parish priest Rev. Father Renchie Vicente Senoro, and SM Supermalls Group Marketing Manager for Visayas 3, Kristine Joyce Yap.
The IFFI, which manages the Dinagyang celebration, also introduced the newest addition to the festival’s various events – the Dinagyang Ilomination.
This new competition will be held on January 21, 2023 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the city’s New Business District on Sen. Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Avenue (Diversion Road), in Mandurriao district.
According to the festival’s artistic director, Eric Divinagracia, seven tribes will compete for the Dinagyang Ilomination. The tribes’ performances will be given emphasis and highlighted by their lighted costumes.
Anchored on the theme, “Iloilo Dinagyang 2023: Pasalamat kay Señor Sto Niño”, next year’s staging of the festival will be the Ilonggos’ thanksgiving to Sto. Niño for the protection and grace especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Other major Dinagyang events include Pamukaw on Dec. 16; Opening Salvo on Jan. 13; Miss Iloilo 2023 on Jan. 18; Dinagyang Food Festival from Jan. 19 to 22; Sto. Niño fluvial procession and solemn foot procession on Jan. 20; Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan, Sponsors’’ Mardi Gras, Grand Religious Sadsad, and Dinagyang Floats Parade of Lights on Jan. 21; and Feast Day of Señor Santo Niño De Cebu High Concelebrated High Mass, Dinagyang sa Barangay Tribes Competition, and Dinagyang Awarding Ceremony on Jan. 22./PN