ILOILO City – The Dinagyang Festival has once again brought pride to Iloilo City after bagging two prestigious awards at the 2025 Pinnacle Awards and Asia Festival City Conference of the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) held in Gyeongju, South Korea.
The internationally acclaimed cultural celebration was named Best Overall Entertainment Program, a major honor received by Festival Director and Artistic Director Eric Divinagracia and Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI) Director for Culture and Arts Initiatives Elvert Bañares at the Gyeongju Hwabaek International Convention Center.
On the second day of the conference, Dinagyang also took home the Best Dynamic Festival (Dancing Festival) award, presented by IFEA President Dr. Jeong Gang-Hoan, reinforcing the festival’s status as one of Asia’s top cultural showcases.
Held every January in honor of the Señor Santo Niño, the Dinagyang Festival traces its roots to 1968 when the image of the Child Jesus from Cebu was first brought to Iloilo City’s San Jose de Placer Parish.
Over the decades, it evolved into a vibrant cultural and religious event known for its high-energy street dancing, rhythmic drumbeats, and dazzling choreography that depict the devotion and creativity of the Ilonggos.
Mayor Jerry Treñas lauded the recognition, crediting the Ilonggo community, festival organizers, and local stakeholders for their commitment to sustaining and enhancing Dinagyang’s global reputation.
He acknowledged the vital contributions of the IFFI, local government units, San Jose Parish Placer, working committees, artistic teams, choreographers, performers, judges, sponsors, media partners, and tourists in the continued success of the annual celebration.
The conference, held from March 19 to 21, gathered representatives from leading festivals around the world. Amid stiff competition, Dinagyang emerged as a standout, reaffirming Iloilo City’s place on the global cultural map./PN
