The Iloilo Dinagyang Festival 2013 is one of the Philippines’ most spectacular cultural festivals, a showcase of the rich heritage, colorful history, passionate devotion, and fun-loving spirit of Ilonggos. The festival traces its roots as a religious thanksgiving celebration in honor of Senyor Santo Niño, the child Jesus.
During the Dinagyang Festival held every fourth weekend of January, city streets of Iloilo, Philippines are filled with tens of thousands of tourists and local revelers. The search for schedule of activities, places to stay, excellent places to eat, and beautiful places to visit in Iloilo is always at its peak during the Dinagyang season.
Young Ati Warrior embraces the image of Senyor Santo Niño (Child Jesus)
Dinagyang Festival 2013 Schedule
The highlights of the Iloilo Dinagyang Festival are scheduled on the fourth weekend of January in addition to many exciting activities happening all throughout the month.
This 2013, the main events of the Dinagangyang Festival will be held on January 25 to 27, 2013. The religious highlight of the Dinagyang is the fluvial procession along Iloilo River while the cultural highlights include the Kasadyahan and the Dinagyang Ati parades and competitions.
- January 25 (Friday) – Fluvial Procession
Fluvial procession along Muelle Loney St. / Iloilo River
- January 26 (Saturday) – Kasadyahan Competition
Kasadyahan Competition, a showcase of the heritage and culture of Iloilo and Western Visayas
- January 27 (Sunday) – Dinagyang Ati Competition
Dinagyang Ati Competition, the main cultural event of the Iloilo Dinagyang Festival
Dinagyang 2013 Parade Route
The parade route of the Dinagyang Festival passes through the main streets of the Iloilo city center / downtown area and La Paz district.
Certain sections of the Dinagyang parade route are designated as performance stages where spectators can watch the 15-minute choreographed street dance of competing tribes. There are four performance stages namely (1) Freedom Grandstand, (2) Iloilo Provincial Capitol, (3) corner Quezon-Ledesma Sts., and (4) Maria Clara Monument beside the Iloilo Central Market. Access to the performance stages are limited to visitors with tickets purchased from the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, Inc.
Performance stages and street dances areas for the Dinagyang Ati and Kasadyahan dance competition
Outside the stages, everyone can enjoy the colorful costumes, thundering drum beats, and energetic dances of the Dinagyang performers . The tribes perform streetdance routines along the entire parade route.
Vehicles are prohibited to enter the parade route and nearby streets. Walking is the prime mode of transportation within Iloilo City Proper during the festivities.
Where to stay during the Dinagyang Festival
Almost all hotels in Iloilo are already fully booked by late December because of the high demand during the Dingayang Festival. It is advisable to confirm your hotel reservations as early as 3 months before the festivities.
Dinagyang Parade Route
If you want to stay in a hotel along or within a stone’s throw away from the parade route, here’s a list of accommodation options and nearby performance areas:
- Freedom Grandstand area (performance stage#1): City Corporate Inn, Harbor Town Hotel
- J.M. Basa and Iznart Sts. (in between stages #1 and #2): Amigo Terrace Hotel, Iloilo Midtown Hotel
- Iloilo Provincial Capitol area (stage #2): Days Hotel, Grand Tower Suites, Century21 Hotel
- Quezon-Ledesma area (stage #3): Ong Bun Pension House, One Loudres Dormitel, People’s Hotel, EON Plaza Centennial Hotel, Fine Rock Hotel
- Maria Clara monument area (stage #4: Iloilo Grand Hotel, Circle Inn Iloilo
Hotels in Smallville / Diversion Road: Westown Hotel, Smallville21 Hotel, Iloilo Business Hotel
See full list of hotels in Iloilo
Iloilo Dinagyang Performance Stage Tickets
Limited number of tickets are available depending on the capacity of the stages and reserved seats for guests of the Provincial and City government of Iloilo.
Here are the stage ticket rates for Dinagyang 2013:
- Stage 1 (Freedom Grandstand):
- Center stage: P1, 400.00
- Side Stage 1, 200.00
- Stage 3 (Quezon-Ledesma Streets)
- Center Stage: P1, 200.00
- Side Stage: 1, 000.00
- Stage 4 (Ma. Clara Street) P1, 000
The performance stage is inclusive of the two-day event (Kasadyahan and Ati-ati competitions). Online booking is not available. Tickets can be purchased at the City Tourism and Development Office (CTDO).
City Tourism and Development Office (CTDO)
Dinagyang Lounge (Freedom Grandstand), JM Basa St., Iloilo City, Philippines
(+63)(33) 336 3439
info@dinagyangsailoilo.com
Dingayang 2013 Live Coverage
Details for Dinagyang 2013 live coverage will be posted here once available. Choose Philippines by ABS-CBN launched a live streaming coverage of the Dinagyang festival last year.
Dinagyang Festival Photos
The Dinagyang Festival is one of the most photographed festivals in the country. Thousands of professional photographers and hobbyists go on a pilgrimage to Iloilo for the chance to capture the perfect postcard photo of the Dinagyang warriors and other scenes during the festivities.
The annual “Iloilo Dinagyang Photo Contest” organized by the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, Inc. (IDFI) gives recognition to the best photos and photographers.
There are spaces allocated for photographers, bloggers, and the media in each performance stage. Interested parties should coordinate with the Dinagyang Foundation to secure a media pass.
About the Dinagyang Festival
Dinagyang Festival official theme song
Dinagyang Circle of Winners
- Dinagyang Ati Competition 2012
- Champion – Tribu Pan-ay
- 1st runner-up – Tribu Lunok
- 2nd runner-up – Tribu Ilonganon
- 3rd runner-up – Tribu Paghidaet
- 4th runner-up – Tribu Atub-Atub
- Kasadyahan Competition 2012
- Champion – Salakayan Festival of Miag-ao, Iloilo
- 1st runner-up – Tribu Mandaragat, Binirayan Festival of San Jose, Antique
- 2nd runner-up – Sinulog sang Urakon Festival of Sibunag, Guimaras
- 3rd runner-up – Sinadya sa Halaran Festival, Capiz
- 4th runner-up – Tribu Maragtas of West Visayas State University, Iloilo
Past Dinagyang Ati Grand Champions
- 2012 Tribu Pan-ay
- 2011 Tribu Pan-ay
- 2010 Tribu Paghidaet
- 2009 Tribu Paghidaet
- 2008 Tribu Paghidaet
- 2007 Tribu Ilonganon
- 2006 Tribu Ilonganon
- 2005 Tribu Silak (open category); Tribu Pag-asa (barangay category)
- 2004 Tribu Bola-bola (open); Tribu Atub-atub (barangay)
- 2003 Tribu Paghidaet (open); Tribu Atub-atub (barangay)
- 2002 Tribu Paghidaet (open); Tribu Molave (barangay)
- 2001 Tribu Bola-bola (open); Tribu Molave (barangay)
- 2000 Tribu Bola-bola (open); Tribu Atub-atub (barangay)
- 1999 Tribu Bola-bola (open); Tribu Panaad (barangay)
- 1998 Tribu Bola-bola (open); Tribu Hamili (barangay)
- 1997 Tribu Bola-bola
- 1996 Tribu Bola-bola
- 1995 Tribu Binirayan
- 1994 Tribu Bola-bola
- 1993 Tribu Panaad
- 1992 Tribu Sagasa
- 1991 Tribu Sagasa
- 1990 Tribu Sagasa
- 1989 Tribu Binirayan
- 1988 Tribu Kongo
- 1987 Tribu Guimbal
- 1986 Tribu Kongo
- 1985 Tribu Kongo
- 1984 Tribu Atub-atub
- 1983 Tribu Binirayan
- 1982 Tribu Atub-atub
- 1981 Tribu Molave
- 1980 Tribu Himaya
- 1979 No Specific Winner
- 1978 Tribu Atub-atub
- 1976 Tribu Hamili
- 1975 Tribu Hamili
- 1974 Last Warriors
- 1973 Mamau Tribe
- 1972 Mamau Tribe
- 1971 Mamau Tribe Of Negros Navigation
- 1970 Madjapahit Tribe Of Compania Maritima
What’s Next After the Dinagyang?
Living up to Iloilo’s title as the festival capital of the Philippines, the fun and merrymaking in Iloilo does not stop with the Dinagyang Festival. The festivities continue during the Jaro District Fiesta (Fiesta de Nuestra Seniora de la Candelaria), Chinese New Year, and the Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival.
Awards and Citations
Achievements of Dinagyang Festival
Galing Pook Awards as an Outstanding Program of a Local Government Unit Finalist
Plaque of Recognition
Awarded by President Benigno Aquino III on January 30, 2012
SILVER AWARD – International Awards for Livable Communities
2011 LivCom Awards in Songpa
Awarded in Songpa, Seoul, South Korea on October 31, 2011
GRAND CHAMPION – Aliwan Fiesta 2012, 2011, 2010, 2004
In the Hall of Fame for three (3) consecutive championships
Manila Broadcasting Company
Street Dance Competition
Awarded in Pasay City
HALL OF FAME: BEST TOURISM EVENT
Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines
Best Practice Awards 2009
Awarded in General Santos City during its National Convention on October 2009
BEST TOURISM EVENT – Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines
Best Practice Awards 2008, 2007, 2006
BEST PRACTICE
Asian Development Bank – For public-private partnership, 2008
United Nations Development Programme Localization of the Millennium Development Goals in Nepal, 2007
Institute for Solidarity in Asia – Good Governance through Responsible Citizenry and Public – Private Cooperation
As Iloilo’s Representative to the Aliwan Fiesta Street Dance Competition
FIRST RUNNER-UP: 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2003
SECOND RUNNER-UP: 2005
As Philippine Representative to:
World Folklore Festival in Portugal – 1998
World Expo in Portugal – 1998
Chinggay Festival & Parade in Singapore – 1999 & 2000
Northeast Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce Annual Parade 2007 – State of Minnesota, USA
Best Parade Crown Pleaser
36th Texas Folklife Festival 2007 State of Texas, USA
St. Patrick’s Day Annual Parade in Ireland – 2009
International Dance Congress in Manila – 2009
Opening Performance
Philippine Independence Day Celebration Parade
New York, USA – 2010 & 2011
South African Embassy – Manila Events
2012 Asian Development Bank Board of Governors’ Meeting
2012 Guam Liberation Day Parade
http://dinagyang.ph/about-dinagyang/awards-citations/
The Musicality, Choreography and Costume of Sinulog, Ati-Atihan and Dinagyang
http://habagatcentral.com/2010/01/17/fiesta-baila-musica-musicality-choreography-and-costume-of-sinulog-ati-atihan-and-dinagyang/
Hala Bira To Life and Faith! Celebrating Iloilo’s Dinagyang Festival 2010
http://habagatcentral.com/2010/02/10/hala-bira-to-life-and-faith-celebrating-iloilos-dinagyang-festival-2010/
Nigerian Becomes Miss Dinagyang 2013 In Phillipines
A Nigerian student in far way Philippines recently won a beauty pageant. The second-year college student from Central Philippine University, (CPU) made history by becoming the first Dinagyang with an African heritage.
http://leadership.ng/nga/articles/47275/2013/02/09/nigerian_becomes_miss_dinagyang_2013_phillipines.html
MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines will host the very first International Gongs and Bamboo Music Festival in Dipolog City from February 16 to 22, and Maasin, Iloilo from February 22-26. Dubbed as “Tunogtugan Festival,” the seven-day celebration will gather some of the finest gongs and bamboo ensembles and scholars from the Philippines and different parts of Asia.
http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/88535/ph-hosts-1st-international-gongs-bamboo-music-fest-in-dipolog-iloilo
Iloilo, with a population of more than 450,000, was the “textile capital of the Philippines” in the 18th century but now the city serves more as an administrative center, the writer noted.
“We found it to be beautiful and hospitable, with culture and heritage galore, particularly as we embarked on ‘church hopping.’ We then came up with the idea for ‘restaurant’, ‘bar’ and ‘heritage’ hopping excursions – and we invite you to follow us on our trail,” Fleming stressed.
He was charmed by the churches saying “it’s about the Godly way that some of them in and around Iloilo have been constructed. The architecture is magnificent. Set against a brilliant blue sky, when the sun hits the church’s façade, it’s like there really is something otherworldly going on.”
“Church hopping is already an established activity in Iloilo. There are countless homes to God here, each with their own charm. We recommend starting at the daddy of them all, Jaro Cathedral before moving out to Molo Church. Church hopping takes a full day but we’d recommend it as time heavenly spent,” Fleming suggested.
“Iloilo is proud of its nosh. From the traditional noodles ‘n’ soup, La Paz Batchoy is best in town to Japanese and Italian, there are plenty of quality restaurants to enjoy as complements to some of the awesome street food available, Fleming further praised in his article.
“We suggest tapping up restaurants and its divine seafood menu featuring delicious sinigang stew and perfect fish dishes where everything seems to cost half of what it does in HK,” Fleming said of Ilonggos’ gastronomic treat.
“So, it’s worth getting hopping mad in Iloilo and its surrounding area. Remember: it’s friendly, beautiful and so cheap you forget you’re paying anything at all. You won’t want to leave. That’s probably the biggest problem…,” quipped Fleming.
http://www.philstar.com/lifestyle-features/2013/02/05/905159/iloilo-city-charms-hk-mag-editor
Pedro Calungsod’s story lives on in Iloilo
A “Calungsod boy went from Iloilo to Mactan Island in Cebu, joined the Jesuit missionaries who left for some island in the Pacific, and was killed with the Fathers,” Arevalo’s account goes.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/292806/pedro-calungsods-story-lives-on-in-iloilo
Miss Dinagyang 2013, EMILY VICTORIA OKE!
http://missosology.info/forum/viewtopic.php?t=54749
This is EMILY VICTORIA OKE, the newly crowned Miss Central Philippine University, and a native of Iloilo City.
She is just 16 years old and she is a professional ramp and print model in our city. Her father is Nigerian and her mother is Filipino.
During the pageant, she won several special awards, including the best interview.
She is now my bet for BB. PILIPINAS 2012 or 2013.
Great article as always! Viva Senor Santo Nino!! Mabuhay Iloilo!!
Edwin Duero observes, though, that the new city mayor, Jed Patrick Mabilog, is better than his predecessors in organizing Dinagyng. ..
http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/artsandbooks/artsandbooks/view/20110131-317553/What-is-wrong-with-Dinagyang-Ask-Edwin-Duero
Megaworld’s P25B Iloilo business park to be ready by 2015
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/01/14/13/megaworlds-p25b-iloilo-business-park-be-ready-2015