ILOILO DINAGYANG FESTIVAL 2012

Festivals in the Philippines are characterized by color, gaiety, enthusiasm, prayers, and rituals. Foreign visitors, even locals, are often struck in awe by the scale and multiplicity of our country’s festivals that have evolved in our society through generations.

Iloilo’s Dinagyang Festival is no exception.

While each edition of the Dinagyang Festival is different from the other, the diversity of artistry and religious messages remains at its core. Each edition portrays Iloilo City’s wealth of culture and heritage, created for spectators whoever they are, to generate excitement for classic or contemporary choreography and a unique visual experience.

For the 2012 edition, the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation and its partners selected a kaleidoscope of activities designed to remind residents and visitors alike about the wealth of Ilonggo heritage. The 2012 edition also ushered in the 75th Diamond Jubilee celebration of Iloilo City Charter Day in August this year. It featured new judging areas, a new parade route, and a heavy dose of world-class performances.

The heart of Dinagyang Festival has always been enjoyment of a shared, live cultural experience. It offers the pleasure of discovery combined with wonder, and turns the city into a throbbing, passionate place for participants and the general public alike.

For every resident and visitor, regardless of religious belief and persuasion, the Dinagyang Festival is akin to a rite of passage. You never forget your first time, and after you’ve come been to one, you’ll certainly want to go back.

Dinagyang is the most precious jewel in Iloilo City’s crown of festivals, and the 2012 edition is not only promising to eclipse all other editions combined. Believe me, it really did.