Dinagyang
| Dinagyang Festival | |
|---|---|
A performer dressed as an Ati warrior during the Ati Tribes Competition | |
| Official name | Iloilo Dinagyang Festival |
| Also called | Dinagyang |
| Observed by | Iloilo City |
| Type | Religious / Cultural |
| Significance | In honor of the Holy Child, the traditions and history of the Ati people, and the 'Barter of Panay' |
| Celebrations | Parades, street dancing, fluvial and street processions, solemn masses, parties |
| Date | Fourth Sunday in January |
| 2024 date | January 28 |
| 2025 date | January 26 |
| 2026 date | January 25 |
| 2027 date | January 24 |
| Frequency | Annual |
| First time | 1968 |
| Related to | Feast of Santo Niño, Sinulog, Ati-Atihan, Maragtas |
The Dinagyang Festival is a religious and cultural festival held annually on the fourth Sunday of January in Iloilo City, Philippines, in honor of Santo Niño, the Holy Child, and to commemorate the historic pact between the Malay settlers and the indigenous Ati people of Panay. It is considered one of the largest festivals in the Philippines, attracting 1 to 2 million people during the weekend celebration.
The festival is renowned for its Ati Tribes Competition, where tribu or tribal performers in "Ati warrior" costumes with large feathered headdresses present choreographed formations, rhythmic chanting, and drum performances depicting the history of Panay. Other highlights include the Kasadyahan Festival, which showcases cultural festivals from various parts of Western Visayas, and ILOmination, a night parade with tribal performers in illuminated costumes. The main weekend festivities also include religious processions and street parties.
As the most awarded festival in the country, it has been named the best tourism event by the Association of Tourism Officers in the Philippines (ATOP) for several years. It is also sometimes referred to as the 'Queen of All Philippine Festivals.'