BY JEN BAYLON
THE Dinagyang Festival, acclaimed as Iloilo’s most magnificent religio-cultural celebration, has evolved over the years. Originating as a modest religious observance, it has transformed into a spirited cultural extravaganza, resonating with joyous chants of “Viva Señor Santo Niño!”
This vibrant celebration is deeply rooted, and over time, the festival in honor of the Santo Niño, or the Child Jesus, incorporated dance, music, and visual arts to showcase Iloilo’s rich cultural traditions.
In 1968, the festival officially began when a replica of the Santo Niño was brought to Iloilo by Fr. Sulpicio Enderez of Cebu as a gift to the Parish of San Jose de Placer.
Led by members of the Confradia del Santo Niño de Cebu-Iloilo Chapter, devotees worked to give the image a fitting reception, starting at the Iloilo Airport and parading down the streets of Iloilo.
San Jose Parish Priest Father Ambrocio Galindez, the first Filipino Rector of the Augustinian Community and Parish Priest of the San Jose Parish, Iloilo City Mayor Reneirio Ticao, and devotees of Señor Santo Niño, came together to welcome the image of Señor Santo Niño de Cebu.
The local population, inspired by the neighboring Ati-atihan Festival, sought to create a similar festival to honor their religious beliefs and cultural practices.
At first, the observance of the feast was confined to the Parish. The Confradia patterned the celebration on the Ati-atihan of Aklan, where natives dance in the streets, their bodies covered with soot and ashes.
Throughout the years, the festival has grown in popularity and significance, attracting both locals and tourists worldwide. Held annually in January, it is a jubilant showcase of vibrant costumes, rhythmic drumbeats, and exuberant street performances that pay homage to the Santo Niño while celebrating the city’s unity and resilience.
The festival’s main highlight is the Ati-Atihan-inspired street dancing competition, where participating tribes clad in colorful and intricate costumes perform choreographed routines accompanied by captivating drumbeats.
In addition to the street dancing competition, the festival features religious rituals, pageants, trade fairs, and culinary events that offer visitors a taste of Iloilo’s rich culture.
The Dinagyang Festival holds profound significance for the people of Iloilo City. It serves as a testament to the city’s commitment to preserving its heritage while embracing the dynamism of contemporary life. Beyond its entertainment value, the festival promotes unity, camaraderie, and the spirit of thanksgiving, reflecting the community’s collective identity.
As the festival continues to evolve, it remains a symbol of the Ilonggo people’s enduring faith, cultural pride, and unwavering spirit, making it a must-see event for experiencing a vibrant cultural tapestry./PN
