ILOILO City – Dinagyang Festival is taking a fresh approach this year with a renewed focus on community participation through the “Sadsad sa Calle Real.”
Instead of merely being spectators, Ilonggos are being called to immerse themselves in the celebration, promoting a stronger sense of unity and cultural pride.
Artistic director Eric Divinagracia said the heart of Dinagyang lies in its ability to bring people together. Dinagyang is not just about performances; it’s about building a shared experience that everyone can be part of, he said, urging Ilonggos to take to the streets and actively join the merrymaking.
The event, slated for January 26 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., will see the historic Calle Real come alive with a three-hour communal dance parade starting from the Freedom Grandstand.
This inclusive celebration offers an alternative for those unable to secure tickets for the Tribes Competition while still allowing them to witness the energy of the festival up close.
Participants can join six non-competing tribes — Tribu Panaad, Tribu Calubihan, Tribu Familia Sagasa, Tribu Irong-irong, Tribu Aninipay, and Tribu Halimaw — as they perform easy-to-follow dance routines designed to engage everyone, from seasoned festival-goers to first-time attendees.
Joyce Clavecillas, executive director of Dinagyang 2025 organizer Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI), cited the accessibility of the event. It is free and inclusive, she said, and an opportunity to be part of something bigger.
The focus on community engagement over competition marks a shift in the festival’s approach, creating a space where participation and enjoyment take precedence over spectacle. Organizers hope this initiative will deepen the cultural connection and shared joy among Ilonggos, redefining Dinagyang as a celebration of unity and inclusivity./PN
