Aliwan Fiesta 2006
Posted by on April 24, 2006
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Featured Aliwan Fiesta Contingent:
DINAGYANG FESTIVAL, Iloilo City
Every fourth Sunday of January, the entire city of Iloilo is turned into a one big party place. As early as 2 in the morning, young men start to paint their bodies in black, and wear their colorful costumes. At the strike of 8 in the morning, drumbeats can now be heard all over the place. These painted men go out to the streets and dance to the endless beating of the drums.
The Dinagyang Festival is held annually in honor of the infant Jesus, or the Santo Nino. Usually a dancer or several of them carries a image of the Santo Nino during their dance routine. Tribes circle the Iloilo city proper and perform their dance rituals in five judging areas. In between the five judging areas, they are also required to perform their streetdance routine. The competition is traditionally done in a carousel type.
