ILOILO City – The Dinagyang Festival 2023 “Pamukaw” is set early morning of Dec. 16 in time for the first day of the nine-day Aguinaldo Masses or “Simbang Gabi” leading to Christmas Eve.
According to Prof. Eric Divinagracia, the festival’s artistic director, this year’s “Pamukaw” will literally wake the Ilonggos up because it will happen early morning.
“Pamukaw” is Hiligaynon for “wakeup call.”
“Naintindihan naton nga si Kristo ang aton gina-abang-abang sa Aguinaldo Mass. Siya man si Kristo nga aton i-selebrar during the Dinagyang. The ‘Pamukaw’ will encourage everyone nga magbugtaw kag magbalik loob kay Kristo kag aton man siya sambahon sa aton selebrasyon sang Dinagyang,” said Divinagracia on Monday.
The Dinagyang “Pamukaw” aims to kick-start the festive mood as Ilonggos prepare for the annual festivity next month.
Unlike the previous years’ “Pamukaw,” there will be no parade of tribes this year. Only drummers rolling drumbeats will go around the city.
After the Aguinaldo Mass this Friday, there will be a “Pamukaw” program in front of the Iloilo City Hall. Representatives of Dinagyang contesting tribes will participate.
The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) has already drawn up a security plan to ensure peace and order during the “Pamukaw”, according to Police Captain Sheila Mae Sangrines, spokesperson.
Police personnel (uniformed and covert) and force multipliers will be deployed.
Those who planned to watch the program are advised to be conscious of their safety and valuables such as cellphones, wallets, jewelry, and other personal belongings.
The public is also encouraged to immediately report any incident or illegal activities to the police.
Moreover, Sangrines emphasized that since it is also the start of “Simbang Gabi”, the ICPO will maximize the deployment of its police personnel in churches and other places of convergence./PN
