BY MARY JOY CAVAÑAS
ILOILO City is gearing up for an exuberant celebration of the Dinagyang Festival 2024.
As it continues to gain national recognition for its dynamic culture, business-friendly environment, and tourist attractions, the city is poised to present this January a festival that beautifully melds tradition with modern vibrancy. “Dinagyang” is in fact the Hiligaynon word for revelry or merrymaking.
National Recognitions Fuelling the Festive Spirit
Recent accolades, including being named the Top 4 Overall Most Competitive Highly Urbanized City in the Philippines and receiving the 2023 Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit award, have boosted Iloilo City’s profile significantly.
These accomplishments, along with being recognized by UNESCO as a City of Gastronomy, have infused a sense of pride and excitement among the Ilonggos, setting the stage for a spectacular Dinagyang.
Dinagyang 2024: A Fusion of Culture and Modernity
The festival is known for its participants’ impressive choreography and striking costumes that reflect Ilonggo ingenuity, craftsmanship and artistry.
Various sectors partnering with the local government unit do their part to ensure the success of the festival. SM City Iloilo, with its “AweSM Iloilo” campaign, is poised to be a core of various exciting events and the destination for the ultimate Dinagyang Experience.
SM City Iloilo is set to be an awesome epicenter of festivities and poised to be at the forefront of this annual cultural extravaganza.
As a long-standing partner of the city government in celebrating Dinagyang, SM City Iloilo hosts a myriad of exciting activities:
* Grandest Celebration of Ilonggo Food – Celebrate the city’s culinary delights through the Grand Iloilo Food Festival (Jan. 24 to 28) and Batchoy Festival (Jan. 25 to 28) which offer a gastronomic journey of the world-renowned culinary heritage.
* Exhibits and Fairs – Visitors can explore the Dinagyang Festival Costumes Exhibit (Jan. 17 to 28), One Visayas Creative Expo 2024 (Jan. 22 to 28), a joint activity of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Western Visayas and the Regional Development Council 6, showcasing the best products, destinations, and festivals of Region 6, 7 and 8.
* Entertainment and Competitions – The Iloilo Drumbeats Competition (Jan. 25), and Viva Music Festival with Ron Poe and JK Labajo (Jan. 27 to 28) promise high-energy entertainment.
* Interactive Experiences – Meet and greet with Dinagyang Warriors (Jan. 25 to 28), AweSM street art displays at South Point in partnership with Museo Iloilo and Boysen, with the unveiling of the biggest wall mural in the country (Jan. 26 to 28), and the Dinagyang Warriors Parade (Jan. 25 to 28) engage visitors in the festive spirit.
* Technological and Aesthetic Displays – The Tech and Creators Fair (Jan. 27 to 28), Drones and Fireworks Display (Jan. 26), and the Dinagyang ILOmination (Jan. 26) are set to dazzle attendees.
Commitment to Safety and Inclusivity
Mayor Jerry P. Treñas emphasizes the city’s commitment to a safe and inclusive celebration, assuring no signal jamming and enhanced security measures. The Philippine National Police and Philippine Army will ensure a secure environment for all participants.
SM City’s longstanding partnership with the city government and its role as a major sponsor, highlights its integral role in the festival’s success. The mall serves not just as a venue but as a vibrant hub for cultural expression and community engagement.
As Dinagyang 2024 approaches, Iloilo City, led by its resilient community and supported by key partners, stands as a testament to the Ilonggos’ enduring spirit and cultural richness. Everyone is invited to experience the AweSM heart and soul of Iloilo./PN
