ILOILO City – Expect the upcoming Dinagyang food festival to be more than just inasal nga manok (grilled chicken).
Iloilo City will live up to its tag as a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Creative City of Gastronomy, declared the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI), the city government and the Dinagyang Food Festival organizers.
For decades, a key attraction for visitors at the Dinagyang Festival is the food festival, featuring sumptuous Ilonggo dishes.
This year’s Dinagyang Food Festival will see participation from over 700 kiosks. It will run from Thursday to Sunday, Jan. 25 to 28.
Some 500 stalls are located in the Iloilo Business Park in Megaworld, Mandurriao district, and over 200 in the downtown area, specifically on Valeria and Delgado streets.
Additionally, the provincial government is hosting a Gastronomic Food Festival and Bazaar on Muelle Loney Street, City Proper from Jan. 25 to 28. This event will feature 70 merchants and special contributions from local government units (LGUs) such as Ajuy, Batad, Concepcion, and Santa Barbara.
The number of participating kiosks is expected to increase as more entities express their interest in joining.
What’s New in This Year’s Dinagyang Food Festival?
Jay Treñas, executive assistant at the Iloilo City Mayor’s Office, notes that while traditional dishes like chicken inasal, pork inasal and seafood will be available, a wider variety of options will be offered to visitors.
Organizers place emphasis on showcasing Ilonggo dishes that have contributed to Iloilo’s recognition as UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. The festival is seen as an opportunity to experience the entirety of Iloilo City and its province, highlighting delicacies from various municipalities.
According to Treñas, the involvement of the provincial government completes the gastronomic experience for visitors.
To enhance the festival’s appeal, organizers have curated certain streets to offer a broader selection of dishes.
Regulating Prices at the Festival
Treñas acknowledges that the IFFI and city government do not control the pricing of food and dishes at the festival due to fluctuating market rates.
However, they have requested organizers to keep prices affordable, enabling all visitors to enjoy Ilonggo dishes.
The festival focuses on street food at accessible prices, not on five-star rates.
Cultural Experience with Ilonggo Music
In addition to food, visitors can enjoy Ilonggo music, with local artists and performers, including buskers, invited to showcase their compositions.
This initiative supports the local artist community, which has grown since the COVID-19 pandemic. Performances will take place in the festival area, enhancing the overall experience.
The Iloilo Business Park will also feature local and Kapamilya artists to entertain visitors. The arrangement of kiosks provides an alternative for those opting not to visit the Downtown Area, similarly to the situation in the capitol area./PN
