Festival Highlights for Iloilo Dinagyang Festival 2023

When the highlights of Dinagyang Festival 2023 begin, the streets of the country's City of Love once again echo to the sound of drums, applause, waves of laughter, and songs honoring Señor Santo Niño.

On the fourth Sunday of every January, the city of Iloilo in the Philippines celebrates the annual Dinagyang festival. This celebration highlights not only the historical and cultural significance of Iloilo City but also the significance of the birth of Jesus.

As a matter of fact, this year's Iloilo Dinagyang Festival, which is being called the "greatest tourist event in the Philippines," has just kicked off the main festivities of its week-long celebration.

What are the Major Events and Activities to Look Forward for?

After the horrific COVID-19 outbreak, 2023 will be the year when Iloilo festivals begin to recover. Dinagyang Festival 2023, held in the Philippine city of Iloilo, is one of the most anticipated festival returns of the year.

The best of the event will be on display from the 20th to the 22nd of January in 2023. Information and a timetable for upcoming activities are provided below.

January 13, 2023 (Friday): Grand Opening Salvo

More than 20,000 locals and international visitors attended the Opening Salvo to get a sneak peek at the performing tribe groups for the upcoming Dinagyang ILOmination and Dagyang sa Barangay tribal contests on January 21 and 22, respectively.

Place and time of the event: Iloilo Freedom Grandstand at 1 PM – 6 PM

January 18, 2023 (Wednesday): Miss Iloilo

Those competing for the title of Miss Iloilo 2023 will be showcasing the Ilongga people's natural charm, intelligence, and skill.

Place and time of the event: Iloilo Convention Center at 6 PM

January 19-22, 2023 (Thursday to Sunday): Iloilo Dinagyang Food Festival

It wouldn't be a party without something to eat, and Iloilo is famous not just for its healthy food options but for all kinds of sumptuous meals as well. Those with a penchant for culinary delights are welcome to join in the celebration to taste the local treats that the province has to offer.

Places for the event: Downtown Area and Iloilo City Mall

January 20, 2023 (Friday): Sto. Niño Fluvial Procession & Solemn Foot Procession

Starting on January 13th and continuing for the next nine days with novena masses dedicated to the patron saint, Seor Santo Nio, many religious events will be held to show the community's deep devotion to the child saint, along with this day of the procession.

Place for the event: Muelle Loney

January 21, 2023 (Saturday)

The day before the festivity is also full-packed with various events that residents and tourists will surely enjoy. Make sure not to miss these schedules:

Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan

The Kasadyahan Festival, held annually in Iloilo City, has gained renown throughout the years as "the festival of festivals" in the Philippines due to the widespread participation it attracts from the local population.

In order to further nurture the spirit of resilience and celebrate our rich cultural legacy and history, the Iloilo City Government and Iloilo Festivals Foundation Incorporated are presenting Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan 2023 as one of the key events of the Dinagyang 2023.

Eight different tribes from Iloilo, Antique, and Negros Occidental are expected to compete this year.

Place and time of the event: Iloilo Freedom Grandstand | Muelle Loney St. Iloilo City for the 3 other stages at 8 AM – 12 PM

Sponsor’s Mardi Gras

If you're looking to spice up your weekend schedule but are becoming bored with typical sporting activities, why not consider participating in the Sponsor's Mardi Gras of the Dinagyang Festival 2023 in Iloilo City. This sort of weekend trip guarantees that you will not only enjoy the artwork but also get fully immersed in the culture.

Place and time of the event: 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM at Iloilo Freedom Grandstand 

Dinagyang ILOmination

This event will be held for the first time and will take place in the new commercial sector in Mandurriao, will include seven tribes, each of which will represent one of the city's seven districts, squaring off over three judging zones.

City Proper, Lapuz, La Paz, Molo, Jaro, Mandurriao, and Arevalo are only some of the tribes that will present during the event while donning illuminated costumes.

It's the first time the province's three largest municipalities have united to cheer for and assist a single tribe in a sporting event. The Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. placed them there, in part, to highlight the city of Iloilo's development in that particular location.

Iloilo City Diversion Road Proposed Routes: Atria Park – SM City – Megaworld at 6 PM – 9 PM

Dinagyang Floats Parade of Lights

The Parade of Lights during this city's renowned Dinagyang Festival is sure to be a crowd-pleaser thanks to the elaborately decorated and brightly lit floats.

Participants in this year's Parade of Lights came from all walks of life, including businesses, local governments, schools, civic clubs and associations, civil society groups, fraternities, and sororities.

The participating floats for the parade will be scored on the following criteria: Splendor/grandiosity of the float; Originality; Lighting Effects; Workmanship; Creativity; Use of Indigenous Materials; and Conceptualization and Realization. Prize money will be given to the contests' winners.

Iloilo City Diversion Road Proposed Routes: Atria Park – SM City – Megaworld at 6 PM – 9 PM

January 22, 2023 (Sunday)

Iloilo City's festival dates will cap off with the following activities:

Dinagyang Sa Barangay Tribes Competition

Dinagyang Festival revives its traditional face-to-face competitions, with eight barangay clans vying for the top award. After two years of postponement because of the epidemic, the city of Iloilo will finally have the celebration on the streets.

Barangay Tribes Competition will be the main event of the festival, with teams from Tribu Familia Sagrada, Tribu Halimau, Tribu Ilonggohanon, Tribu Kanyao sang Baybayanon, Tribu Molave, Tribu Panaad, Tribu Parianon, and Tribu Sagasa expected to compete.

Place and time of the event: Iloilo Freedom Grandstand at 8 AM – 12 PM

Dinagyang Awarding Ceremony

The Festival culminates with a concelebrated mass on a Sunday, after which the winners of the various categories are announced: the Champion, the Runner-Ups, the Best Performance, the Best Choreography, the Best Music, and the Best Costume. There are also special awards for the Best Choreographer, Best Musical Director, Best Costume Designer, Best Discipline, and Best Headdress.

Fireworks will be let off at the end of the event to celebrate the winners and this year's successful festival.

Place and time of the event: Iloilo Freedom Grandstand at 8 AM – 12 PM

In addition to local visitors and tourists from across the world, a number of international dignitaries, including a few ambassadors and consuls, and national officials from the government, are scheduled to attend these activities.

Be there as Iloilo City outdoes any and all festivals, thanks to the efforts of the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc., the Iloilo City Government, the tribes, and all its private sponsors who will work to make Dinagyang 2023 the pinnacle of Philippine festivals.

You will surely not miss this year's Dinagyang Festival which includes street parties, traditional competitions, colorful costumes, and fun festival goers if you secure your house and lot in the Philippines at the heart of the city prior to this celebration.

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