Finding light and happiness in the middle of a pandemic has just become a tad easier as Iloilo City welcomes the much-awaited Dinagyang Festival. The world-renowned festival is celebrated annually in the City of Love to honor the Santo Nino.
Due to the restrictions brought by the pandemic, a few things will be different. This year, you now have an option to watch the event virtually. However, Ilonggos can still be a part of the celebration as there are approved activities on the ground by the local government provided there is strict adherence to health protocols.
This bustling central business district in Western Visayas, the 72-hectare Iloilo Business Park, takes center stage in this year’s festivities as it also makes sure that rules and regulations are followed. This includes the mandatory wearing of a face mask and face shield at all times, observance of physical distancing, regular sanitizing of hands. Yes, alcohol and handwashing stations will be available in all event venues.
To minimize contact, cashless payment options will also be encouraged. Digital contact tracing shall be implemented through QR codes in all entrances.
Now to get you excited, here are the things that you can definitely look forward to in this year’s Dinagyang Festival
Hablon, banig bags at One Iloilo Dinagyang Trade Fair
On January 20 – 24, you can score locally-created products! Make sure you are at the Indoor Atrium of Festive Walk Mall in Iloilo Business Park from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Designed to showcase the excellent craftsmanship of Ilonggos, this event is in partnership with One Iloilo.
Drive-thru the Dinagyang Food Fest at Festive Walk Parade
Committed to a safe celebration, the Dinagyang Food Fest will be all about drive-thru, pick-ups, and deliveries. Conveniently accessible, there’s no need for you to get out of your car to get your hands on mouth-watering Ilonggo delicacies.
You can still enjoy the superb Ilonggo cuisine while dining safely at home. The Dinagyang Food Fest is slated on January 22 – 24 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Festive Walk Parade.
Colorful performances at the Dinagyang Warrior Fashion Show
With a 41-meter runway, you will get to witness a promenade of stunning Dinagyang warrior costumes that will be paraded starting 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 23.
Impressive, award-winning performances from Dinagyang tribes will also be part of the Fashion Show. You can also tune in to the Festive Walk Iloilo page if you want to watch the event at the comfort of your own home.
Immersive Dinagyang Fun Bike Ride
It’s always fun to take part in something sustainable and when it comes to mobility, cycling is definitely one activity that is good for the environment. You can witness a fun bike ride as Iloilo City takes pride in being a bike-friendly city.
In partnership with the Capitol Cycling Club, Iloilo Business Park is set to welcome 500-700 bikers in a bike-able township. There will be bikers wearing Dinagyang headdresses!
The Dinagyang Fun Bike Ride will take place on Sunday, January 24 at 7:00 a.m. at Park Square, Iloilo Business Park.
Burst of Colors at the Light Show
The festival will be capped off on the night of January 24 at 5:00 p.m. with a dazzling light show in partnership with the Iloilo City Government and the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI).
You can also watch the event on the Festive Walk Iloilo Facebook page!
The event will take place at Park Square, Iloilo Business Park featuring the beauty of Casa Emperador. This is definitely something your Instagram will like.
Hence, it is confirmed: Iloilo City remains to be a charming place with mouth-watering delicacies, warm people, and a festival worth celebrating.
