ILOILO – The “Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan” of the 2024 Dinagyang Festival will have an opening salvo on Jan. 5 with the aim of promoting public awareness and spectator engagement.
Provincial Tourism Officer Gilbert Marin said activities will start at 1:30 p.m. with a Mass at the San Jose de Placer Parish Church. This will be followed by a procession of the nine participating tribes to the Freedom Grandstand for a short program.
The special performances by each tribe, lasting three minutes, will commence at 3 p.m.
Following their performances, the tribes will parade to Casa Real de Iloilo for another set of three-minute shows.
“Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan” is scheduled for Jan. 27, in the afternoon. The nine festivals (“tribes”) participating are Katagman Festival of Oton, Saad Festival of Leganes, Pantat Festival of Zarraga, Cry of Jelicuon Festival of New Lucena, Kaing Festival of Leon, Tultugan Festival of Maasin, Hirinugyaw-Suguidanonay Festival of Calinog (the 2023 champion), Banaag Festival of Anilao, and Kasag Festival of Banate.
The provincial government started releasing a P1-million subsidy to the tribes from the second week of December 2023.
“Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan” will showcase Iloilo’s rich culture, customs, and traditions, in line with the province’s new tourism tagline: “fun, foodie, friendly Iloilo.”
The prizes are: P500,000 for the first placer, P350,000 for the second placer, P200,000 for the third placer, and P50,000 consolation prize for non-winning tribes./PN
