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Dinagyang Festival

Posted on January 11, 2006

Dinagyang Festival - http://www.dinagyang.com

An event held yearly in Iloilo as a thanksgiving to the Sto. Nino for his blessings to the city and to the people. It is similar to the famous Ati-atihan of Aklan Province and to the Masskara of Bacolod City.

During the festival contesting tribes perform in the streets in colourful costumes to the hard beatings of drums and other musical instruments. The opening ceremony is called Pamukaw (awakening) and takes place in December. Main performances and contests are at the end of January.z

The Kasadyahan Contest that takes place during the festivities is an activity participated in by the different schools of the Department of Education, Culture and Sports in which they showcase local traditions and customs, dramatizing the folklores of the people of Panay and Guimaras.

The Dinagyang festival had its beginnings in 1968 when Fr. Sulpicio Ebderes, OSA brought a replica of the image of the Sr. Santo Nino from Cebu City to the San Jose Parish church with a delegation of Cofradia Del Sto. Nino Cebu members.

The image was brought to San Jose Parish church and has been enshrined there since then where a novena in His honor is held every Friday. The first parish feast of Seï¿½or Santo Niï¿½o was celebrated in 1969, a year after His arrival in Iloilo City. The culmination of the nine-day novena was the fluvial procession.

From 1969, the celebration was casually called “Iloilo Ati-Atihan” to differentiate it from that more famous Mardi-Gras — like revelry of Kalibo, Aklan.

Through the years, however, the Dinagyang festival has not only meant fun and laughter for the Ilonggos. It has also become a period of thanksgiving and offering for all the blessings received. Hala Bira!

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