Iloilo Dinagyang Festival

The Iloilo Dinagyang Festival is one of the Philippines’ grandest and most decorated cultural and religious celebrations, held annually on the fourth Sunday of January in Iloilo City. The Hiligaynon word “Dinagyang” means “merrymaking,” and the festival serves a dual purpose: it honors the Santo Niño (the Holy Child Jesus) and commemorates the historic arrival of Malay settlers and the legendary “Barter of Panay” with the indigenous Ati people. Performers paint their skin dark and wear indigenous-inspired costumes, adopting the warrior appearance of the Ati tribe to symbolize this foundational moment in Ilonggo history and faith.

The festival is globally renowned for its high-energy, world-class attractions. The main highlight is the intense Ati Tribes Competition, a spectacular street-dancing showdown where “tribes” (contingents) compete with elaborately choreographed routines, intricate costumes, and powerful drum beats, narrating Iloilo’s unique story. The weekend’s events also feature the Kasadyahan Festival, a major cultural competition that showcases the distinct traditions and artistry from the Western Visayas region, along with the solemn Fluvial and Foot Processions of the Santo Niño image, drawing millions of devotees.