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Dinagyang began after Rev. Fr. Ambrosio Galindez of a local Roman Catholic parish introduced the devotion to Santo Niño in November 1967. In 1968, a replica of the original image of the Santo Niño de Cebu was brought to Iloilo by Fr. Sulpicio Enderez as a gift to the Parish of San Jose. The faithful, led by members of Confradia del Santo Niño de Cebu, Iloilo Chapter, worked to give the image a fitting reception starting at the Iloilo Airport and parading down the streets of Iloilo.
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| Dancer Men Dinagyang Festival |
In the beginning, the observance of the feast was confined to the parish. The Confradia patterned the celebration on the Ati-atihan of Ibajay, Aklan, where natives dance in the streets, their bodies covered with soot and ashes, to simulate the Atis dancing to celebrate the sale of Panay. It was these tribal groups who were the prototype of the present festival.
The Birth and Evolution of Dinagyang
In 1977, the Marcos government ordered the various regions
of the Philippines to come up with festivals or celebrations that could boost
tourism and development. The City of Iloilo readily identified the Iloilo
Ati-atihan as its project. At the same time the local parish could no longer
handle the growing challenges of the festival.
The Dinagyang is divided into three Major events: Ati-Ati
Street Dancing, Kasadyahan Street Dancing and Miss Dinagyang.
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| Doll Dinagyang Festival |
Today, the main part of the festival consists of a number of "tribes", called "tribus", who are supposed to be Ati tribe members dancing in celebration. It should be noted that no actual Ati are involved nor do they benefit in any way from this event. There are a number of requirements, including that the performers must paint their skin brown and that only indigenous materials can be used for the costumes. All dances are performed to drum music. Many tribes are organized by the local high schools. Some tribes receive a subsidiary from the organizers and recruit private sponsors, with the best tribes receiving the most. The current Ati population of Iloilo is not involved with any of the tribes nor are they involved in the festival in any other way.
The Iloilo Dinagyang Hall of Fame
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| Dance Dinagyang Festival |
Schedule of Events Festival Highlights
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| Party Dinagyang Festival |
The festival highlights are scheduled on the fourth weekend
of January in addition to many exciting activities happening all throughout the
month. The religious highlights include the fluvial procession along the Iloilo
River and the Dinagyang Ati cultural parade and competition.
Fluvial Procession (Friday)
Kasadyahan Cultural Parade (Saturday)
Dinagyang Ati Competition (Sunday)
