Dinagyang

Dinagyang is a yearly religious and cultural festival held in Iloilo City, Philippines. It occurs on the fourth weekend of January and honors the Santo Niño (Infant Jesus) while commemorating the arrival of Malay settlers in Panay and the spread of Christianity on the island. The main attraction is a vigorous street-dance competition in which contingents, often styled as “tribes,” perform intricate choreographies to percussion and brass music. Dancers wear bright costumes and headdresses, with props such as spears and shields, and portray historical and devotional themes, including interactions between indigenous Atis and Christianized communities.

Dinagyang traces its modern form to the late 1960s, when local church groups and city authorities sought to honor Santo Niño and celebrate Panay's heritage. The festival's name is said to derive from a local term meaning merrymaking, reflecting its lively, celebratory character. A prelude to the main event is Kasadyahan, a cultural street-dance competition featuring non-Iloilo groups presenting regional dances and displays.

The Dinagyang competition is judged on factors such as music, performance, visuals, and creativity, with awards given to the winning contingents and best in costume. The festival is organized by the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc., in partnership with the city government and private sector. It is one of the Philippines' largest and most popular regional festivals, drawing substantial crowds and contributing to Iloilo’s tourism and cultural profile.