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Here are the performance videos of the four participating groups during the Sinamba sa Paraw Regatta competition last February 17, 2011. “Sinamba sa Paraw Regatta,” also called the “Samba de Regatta sa Paraw Regatta,” is a Mardi Gras inspired street dance competition held during the week long Paraw Regatta Festival in Iloilo City. The Samba de Regatta showcases the musical, dance, and artistic talents from groups representing different schools from around the city. This year, four groups joined in the “Samba de Regatta competition. Here are the performance videos during the 1st round of the competition staged at the freedom grandstand:

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Jaro Fiesta 2011

The District of Jaro celebrates a fiesta for Nuestra Senyora de la Candelaria (The Lady of Candles) every February 2, 2009. The Jaro fiesta is considered as one of the grandest fiesta celebration in the Philippines. People from all over Iloilo, converge in Jaro to show their devotion to the Candelaria and partake in the sumptuous feast prepared by Jaro’s Catholic households. The main highlight of the Jaro Fiesta is a religious procession lead by the young women of the elite Jaro families, which is held during the afternoon.

Iloilo Chinese New Year 2011

A very festive Chinese New Year celebration is held in Iloilo, which holds the distinction of having one of the largest concentration of “Tsinoys” or Filipinos with Chinese ancestry or descent in the country. The main highlight of the Iloilo Chinese New Year celebration is a grand parade on February 4, 2011. The Chinese parade will start from the Capitol grounds and end in the Plazoletagay Rotunda along Iznart St., where a cultural program will start at 4pm followed by a grand fireworks display show.

Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival 2011

The Paraw regatta is a race among seafarers on colorful sailboats called Paraws in the straits between Guimaras Island and the City of Iloilo. The first race started in 1973 with the mission to preserve the historic value of the paraws. Today, the event has grown from being a boat race to a festival with various interesting and exciting activities like the Pinta Paraw and the Samba de Regatta Dance Competition. The Paraw Regatta Festival 2010 will be held on February 13 to 20, 2011. Learn more about the Paraw Regatta 2011.

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Dinagyang Competition 2011

CHAMPION: Tribu Pan-ay

Tribu Pan-ay

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Experience an explosion of sound, color, and dance.

The Dinagyang Festival is a religious and cultural celebration in Iloilo City held on the fourth Sunday of January, the week after the Sinulog In Cebu and the Ati-Atihan in Aklan.

The Dinagyang Festival is held both to honor the Santo Nino and to celebrate the arrival on Panay of Malay settlers and the subsequent selling of the island to them by the Atis.

Here’s the Iloilo Dinagyang 2011 Schedule of Activities:

January 4, 2011 (Tuesday)

• 2:00PM – Model Ati Dinagyang Warrior 2011 Presentation

January 7, 2011 (Friday)

• 2:00PM – Model Ati Dinagyang Warrior 2011 Talent Competition

January 9, 2011 (Sunday)

• 1:00PM – Model Ati Dinagyang Warrior 2011 Finals

January 14, 2011 (Friday)

• 2:30PM – Mass for Opening Salvo of Tribe Dancers (San Jose Parish Church)
• 3:00 PM – OPENING SALVO (Judging Area)

January 14-16, 2011

• Iloilo Dinagyang Golf Competition 2011 (Sta. Barbara Golf Club)

January 15, 2011 (Saturday)

• 7:00:00AM – SQUEAK (Parade Route)

January 16-23, 2011

• Dinagyang Photo Exhibit

January 16, 2011, Sunday

• 10:00AM – 3:00PM (DRESSING UP DAGOY)

January 19-23, 2011

• 2:00 P.M.-12 MN Iloilo Hotel Resort & Restaurant Association (IHRRA) Food Festival (Delgado St., Iloilo City)

January 21, 2011 (Friday)

• 8:00AM – TAMBOR TRUMPA MARTSA MUSIKA (Freedom Grandstand)
• 7:00 PM – LUCES IN THE SKY Part I

January 22, 2011 (Saturday)

• 7:00:00AM – Mass for Kasadyahan (San Jose Parish Church)
• 8:00PM – 2011 KASADYAHAN Competition (Freedom Grandstand and other stages)
• 2:00PM – SPONSORS MARDI GRAS (Judging Area #4 to Freedom Grandstand)
• 7:00PM – LUCES IN THE SKY Part II
• 7:00PM – Religious Sad-sad to Sr. Sto. Niño (San Jose Parish Church)

January 23, 2011 (Sunday)

• 6:30AM -  Concelebrated high mass for devotees, Tribes, Gov’t. Officials, LOMAS in attendance (San Jose Parish Church)
• 8:00AM – 2011 Dinagyang Ati CONTEST (Freedom Grandstand and other stages)
• 7:00PM – Awarding Ceremonies (Freedom Grandstand)

January 24, 2011, Monday

• 5:30PM – Thanksgiving Mass with all members of 2010 Iloilo Dinagyang Festival Working Committees (San Jose Parish Church)

Be prepared to witness the City of Iloilo revel during the Dinagyang Festival 2011 and experience an explosion of sound, color, and dance. The Dinagyang Festival is a religious and cultural celebration in Iloilo City held on the fourth Sunday of January, the week after the Sinulog In Cebu and the Ati-Atihan in Aklan. It is held both to honor the Santo Nino and to celebrate the arrival on Panay of Malay settlers and the subsequent selling of the island to them by the Atis. The highlights of the Iloilo Dinagyang Festival 2011 will be on January 21 to 23, 2011.

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The Dinagyang season in Iloilo is fast approaching and the festive fever is starting to brew in the city. Many visitors and balikbayans have already marked their calendars and booked their flights for the Dinagyang Festival highlights on January 21-23, 2011. If you’re interested to buy tickets for seats at the judging areas during the tribe competitions here are some helpful details:

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