Iloilo city: The three-day highlights of the 2026 Iloilo Dinagyang Festival officially commenced on Friday, featuring fluvial and foot processions in the afternoon and the ILOmination: Festival of Lights in the evening.
According to Philippines News Agency, the fluvial procession at the Iloilo River, followed by the solemn foot procession along JM Basa Street, saw participation from city government officials and devotees. The event was led by the newly installed Hermano and Hermana Mayor, Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., and his wife, Michelle.
The Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. executive director, Joyce Clavecillas, mentioned that this year's festival of lights attracted participants from Luzon to Mindanao, including the Pandang Gitab Festival of Oriental Mindoro, Pavvurulun Afi Festival from Tuguegarao City, Zamboanga Hermosa Festival from Zamboanga City, and the Banaag Festival of Anilao, Iloilo. The event also featured a special performance by the Dinagyang Ilomination and the Lion and Dragon Dance Troupe of the Iloilo Cultural Federation Inc.
Last year's contingent from Negros Occidental opted out of this year's event as they are still recovering from the impact of a calamity the previous year. Clavecillas expressed hope for their participation next year.
The second day of the highlights will showcase the best festivals from the various municipalities of Iloilo during the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan on Saturday afternoon, followed by the religious sadsad (merrymaking) at the San Jose Parish. Clavecillas noted an increase in participation every year, highlighting the growing scale of the event.
Saturday morning will feature seven groups in the Tribes Competition, showcasing designs inspired by the endemic flora and fauna in Visayas. The Sadsad sa Calle Real, a community-based street dancing event, will take place in the afternoon.
The city government has allocated over PHP5 million in prizes for various events, with the exception of the Kasadyahan, which is funded by the provincial government. The Tribes Competition offers a grand prize of PHP1.5 million, with additional prizes for runners-up and consolation prizes for non-winners. The ILOmination Competition and Sadsad sa Calle Real also offer substantial prizes to winners and participants.
This year's festival is anchored on the theme 'Bugay sang Ginoo, Bugal sang mga Ilonggo (Blessing from God, Pride of the Ilonggos).'
