ILOILO City – After seven years since its last international exposure, the much-admired Iloilo Dinagyang Festival is ready to take the global stage again this year.
The world-class festival got an invitation to perform in Osaka, Japan and Auckland, New Zealand in June and November, respectively.
“We are excited. This opportunity reignites our excitement to once again showcase internationally our pride and joy, the Dinagyang Festival. It has always been a symbol of our faith, culture, unity and creativity, and now, more than ever, we are eager to present the best of what we have to offer to a global audience. The international stage awaits, and we are ready to dazzle and impress,” said Mayor Jerry P. Treñas.
It was in 2018 when Dinagyang Festival, through that year’s champion Tribu Panayanon, was showcased abroad, particularly in New York City in time for the celebration of the Philippine Independence Day.
“We anticipate more invitations in the coming years now that the over three-year COVID-19 pandemic is no longer a hindrance,” said Treñas.
Dinagyang Festival is the seventh-time and reigning champion of Aliwan Fiesta, an annual event that gathers different cultural festivals of the Philippines held at the Star City Complex in Pasay City.
A recipient of the Best Cultural Festival Awards, Dinagyang also won as Best Festival in the 2024 Philippine Leaf Awards and was recognized as the Asia-Pacific Folklore Festival of 2024 by the prestigious International Festival and Events Association (IFEA) – Asia at the Asian Festival Awards. It is the only recipient from the Philippines since IFEA’s inception in 1956.
As anticipated each year, the Dinagyang Festival consistently impresses both locals and tourists with the tribes’ elevated, world-class performances.
Eight competing tribes namely Tribu Paghidaet, Tribu Parianon, Tribu Ilonganon, Tribu Pag-asa kang Manduryaw, Tribu Hangaway, Tribu Molave, Tribu Salognon, and Tribu Pan-ay delivered dazzling performances with incredible storylines anchored on this year’s Dinagyang theme, “Buhi nga Pagtuo sa Kinabuhi sang mga Ilonggo.”
This year’s edition featured special cultural presentations of Te Āmiorangi Taiohi from Auckland, New Zealand and Guma Nina’en Acho Latte from Guam.
The League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) congratulated and commended Treñas, who served as its National Adviser, for successfully staging the Dinagyang Festival.
Recognizing the importance of preserving cultural heritage and presenting cities’ unique history and traditions, the LCP, through its representatives, also joined the City of Love and UNESCO’s Creative City of Gastronomy in the celebration of Dinagyang Festival 2025.
They were welcomed by colorful parades and rich cultural and food displays in Iloilo City during the festivity.
Meantime, Professor Ruben Gamala, through his Facebook posts, shared unforgettable impressions of his guests.
Gamala said that his visitors from Albay, Mr. Ben Artiaga and his wife Tess, commended Mayor Treñas, the entire city government, and the private sector for coming together to plan, organize, and execute a superb festival.
According to him, Australia-based Filipino nurse Sai Quemodo likewise described the performances as well-prepared and artistic, as well as a great illustration of Iloilo’s history and appreciation for the environment.
He further shared another feedback from US-based friend and first-timer in Iloilo, Mr. Johan Dyseng, who said: “I like the Saturday performance of Dinagyang festival kasi yung theme is local festival. The music and costumes are New York Broadway quality, so is the choreography.”
He particularly got impressed by the performance of Maasin’s Tultugan Festival, with “performers and the hundred of musicians all smiling and having fun while performing. Best of all, the instruments they are using are all made by bamboo.”
More visitors, especially the first-timers, took to social media to express their feel-good sentiments experiencing the Dinagyang.
“Attending the Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City for the first time, I am truly in awe of the vibrant and festive atmosphere. The warmth, kindness, and hospitality of the people of Iloilo, the City of Love, have left a lasting impression on me. Truly, malambing, mabait, and accommodating,” vlogger MejasTravels posted as he shared some unforgettable moments he captured, which he described as – the faces of dedication, hard work, and devotion to Sto. Niño.
He described the Dinagyang tribes’ performances as “all out with musicality, costumes, props, and storylines. I don’t know how the judges scored all the performances, but they were amazing.”
He described his overall Dinagyang experience as “great” and he is “definitely coming back!”
Another Dinagyang spectator, Jersey Wilson from Florida, also posted photos and videos on social media of their family’s Dinagyang experience.
“The final day of Dinagyang Festival 2025 was truly impressive, with young kids proudly showcasing their accomplishments through outstanding choreography and props, which made for a thoroughly enjoyable experience,” he posted.
Mayor Treñas, on his Dinagyang message, underscored the significance of unity and collaboration in achieving progress and prosperity for Iloilo City.
“Mga pinalangga ko nga mga Ilonggo, Iloilo City has come a long way, and while we have achieved much, we still have a long way to go in our journey toward continued progress. It is this faith and unity that will carry us forward and help us overcome any obstacles we may face,” he said.
He stressed that Dinagyang Festival has always been a symbol of resilience and pride for the Ilonggo community.
“Through the years, the Dinagyang Festival has served as a reminder to us Ilonggos that we can stand the test of time, becoming stronger and prouder with each passing year,” he added./PN
