Dinagyang Festival, Iloilo

The Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo Philippines! This is a festival called Dinagyang, which is celebrated every third week of January. Ati warriors wear colorful costumes and dance to the beat of the drums. It is held to honor the Santo Niño (Baby Jesus) and to celebrate the arrival of Malay settlers. There are a number of tribes performing in the streets. Each tribe is made up of Ati members who are painted black or brown to represent the original Ati people.

Photograph by Zernan Golez

The Dinagyang is the biggest and most colorful religious and cultural festival in Iloilo City, Philippines. Dinagyang had its humble beginnings in the devotion to the Señor Santo Niño that began to take root in the hearts of Ilonggos some 40 years ago. Rev. Fr. Ambrosio Galindez started to introduce the devotion to Santo Niño in November 1967.

The Dinagyang is held on the fourth Sunday of January, or right after the Sinulog In Cebu and the Ati-Atihan in Aklan. Dinagyang was voted as the best Tourism Event for 2007.

Iloilo City Location

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The Dinagyang is divided into three Major events: Ati-Ati Street Dancing, Kasadyahan Street Dancing and Miss Dinagyan