Guide to Iloilo Dinagyang Festival 2025: All You Need to Know

Guide to Iloilo Dinagyang Festival 2025: All You Need to Know

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Mark your calendars! The vibrant Iloilo Dinagyang Festival 2025 is set to bring the city alive from January 24-26, 2025. With its passionate performances, spirited processions, and the devotion to Señor Sto. Niño, this annual celebration is a powerful representation of the Ilonggo culture and faith.

Dinagyang 2025 Calendar of Activities

Get ready to experience the heart-pounding excitement and cultural extravaganza of the Iloilo Dinagyang Festival 2025! This year’s festivities are packed with a wide array of events, from the vibrant street performances and solemn religious processions to lively food festivals and the highly anticipated Ati Tribe Competition. Whether you’re a local or a tourist visiting Iloilo City, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Check out the complete schedule below to plan your visit and make the most of your Dinagyang experience. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the joy, faith, and colorful traditions of the Ilonggo people. Hala Bira, Iloilo!

Date Time Event Venue
October 18, 2024 (Friday)
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Dinagyang 100-Day Countdown
SM City Iloilo Activity Center
December 16, 2024 (Monday)
5:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Pamukaw
San Jose Parish Placer - Freedom Grandstand - Capitol
January 9, 2025 (Thursday)
2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Opening Salvo Kasadyahan
Iloilo Freedom Grandstand - Downtown Area
January 10, 2025 (Friday)
2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Opening Salvo Dinagyang
Iloilo Freedom Grandstand - Downtown Area
January 10-26, 2025
Various Times
Dinagyang Side Events
Various Venues
January 11, 2025 (Saturday)
5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Miss Iloilo 2025 Coronation Night
WVSU Cultural Center
January 17-26, 2025
Various Times
Novena Mass
San Jose Parish Placer
January 23-26, 2025 (Thu-Sun)
All Day
Dinagyang Food Festival
Downtown Area
January 24, 2025 (Friday)
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Fluvial & Solemn Foot Procession
Muelle Loney - Downtown Area - San Jose Parish Placer
January 24, 2025 (Friday)
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Dinagyang Ilomination Streetdance Competition and Floats Parade of Lights
Atria - SM City - Iloilo Business Park
January 25, 2025 (Saturday)
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Creative Parade Sponsors' Mardi Gras
Iloilo Freedom Grandstand - Downtown Area
January 25, 2025 (Saturday)
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan
Iloilo Freedom Grandstand - Downtown Area
January 25, 2025 (Saturday)
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Grand Religious Sadsad
San Jose Parish Placer
January 26, 2025 (Sunday)
7:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Concelebrated High Mass Feast Day of Señor Sto. Niño de Cebu
San Jose Parish Placer
January 26, 2025 (Sunday)
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Dinagyang Tribes Competition
Iloilo Freedom Grandstand - Downtown Area
January 26, 2025 (Sunday)
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Sadsad sa Calle Real
Iloilo Freedom Grandstand - Downtown Area
January 26, 2025 (Sunday)
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Dinagyang Awarding Ceremony
Iloilo Freedom Grandstand - Downtown Area

Tribes Joining the Dinagyang 2025 Festival

The Dinagyang Festival 2025 is set to feature eight competitive tribes, showcasing a thrilling mix of school-based and barangay-based contingents. The competition remains “open” this year, according to Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI) president, Allan Ryan Tan, offering a diverse array of performances. These tribes will bring their energy and cultural pride to the streets of Iloilo from January 24-26, 2025.

Here are the official participating tribes:

  • Tribu Paghidaet of La Paz National High School
  • Tribu Salognon of Jaro National High School
  • Tribu Parianon
  • Tribu Ilonganon of Jalandoni Memorial National High School
  • Tribu Pag-asa Kang Mandurriao
  • Tribu Hangaway
  • Tribu Molave
  • Tribu Pan-ay of Fort San Pedro National High School (the reigning 2024 Dinagyang champion)

These tribes gave a captivating preview of their performances during the 100-day countdown kickoff held at SM City Iloilo. Spectators were treated to a glimpse of the vibrant choreography, stunning costumes, and dynamic drumbeats that have made Dinagyang a hallmark of Philippine festivals.

A Look Ahead at the Dinagyang Events

Beyond the highly anticipated Ati Tribe Competition, revelers can look forward to a jam-packed schedule of events that will light up Iloilo City. These include:

  • Pamukaw (Wake-up Call)
  • Opening Salvo
  • Miss Iloilo Pageant
  • Food Festival
  • Sto. Niño Fluvial and Foot Procession
  • Sto. Niño de Cebu Novena Mass
  • Sto. Niño Religious Motorcade
  • Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan
  • Sponsors Mardi Gras Parade
  • Grand Religious Sadsad
  • Ilomination Street Dance and Parade
  • Dinagyang Tribes Competition
  • Feast Day of Sto. Niño de Cebu Concelebrated High Mass
  • Awarding Ceremony

The Ilomination Street Dance and Parade promises to be a major highlight this year. For the first time, lighted festivals from across the Philippines have been invited to participate, adding a new level of grandeur to the event.

The official dates for these events will be released soon, so stay tuned for further updates.

Theme of Dinagyang 2025

This year’s theme, “Buhi nga Pagtuo sa Kinabuhi sang mga Ilonggo” (A Living Faith in the Life of the Ilonggos), celebrates the Ilonggo people’s steadfast spirit, resilience, and cultural pride. The theme emphasizes the significance of faith and community in the life of every Ilonggo.

The Heart of Dinagyang: Viva! Viva! Señor Sto. Niño!

Rooted in devotion, Dinagyang honors the Santo Niño (the Holy Child Jesus). Each year, devotees and spectators unite to shout “Viva! Viva! Señor Sto. Niño!” The celebration not only showcases faith but also draws tourists from around the globe to witness and experience Ilonggo hospitality at its finest.

Festival Highlights and Events

  • Ati Tribe Competition: Expect vibrant dances and colorful performances that celebrate indigenous heritage and culture.
  • Fluvial Procession and Kasadyahan Events: See the beautiful river procession honoring Sto. Niño, followed by cultural exhibitions and street parades that showcase Ilonggo talent and artistry.
  • Food Festival and Trade Fair: Dinagyang wouldn’t be complete without savoring Ilonggo delicacies. Enjoy food fairs and trade showcases of local products, crafts, and delicacies.

Catchphrases and Chants to Celebrate

Throughout the festival, you’ll hear the spirited cry of “Hala Bira, Iloilo!” and “Dinagyang na!” These chants are all about keeping the energy high and inviting everyone to revel in the joyous atmosphere of the festival.

Plan Your Trip

Whether you’re a returning guest or a first-time visitor, you’re bound to have an unforgettable experience. With numerous hotels, restaurants, and festival venues, Iloilo is ready to welcome you!

Don’t miss the Dinagyang Festival 2025—come witness, enjoy, and be part of this cultural spectacle!

Relive the Magic of Dinagyang 2024

As the anticipation for Dinagyang 2025 builds, let’s take a moment to rewind and relive the captivating experience of last year’s celebration. The vibrant energy, dynamic performances, and rich cultural displays from Dinagyang 2024 set the stage for another unforgettable festival this year.

Watch the video highlights below, courtesy of i Channel Multi Media Production, and let it remind you of the joy and excitement that await. Get ready to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Iloilo’s grandest festival, as we count down to January 2025!

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this video to spread the spirit of Dinagyang!

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