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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider Dinagyang Festival

Dinagyang Festival

Published Jan 24, 2024 04:06 pm

‘TOL VIEWS

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After the grandiose Sinulog Festival of Cebu City, next in the list comes the Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo City. As with all other renowned Philippine festivals, the annual Dinagyang celebration is indeed a convergence of faith, culture, tradition and history. The captivating hues, creative vestments, enchanting music, inviting dances and festive mood that envelope the streets of Iloilo City create a magical mixture which unite people together in prayer, joy, cheers, and thanksgiving. Apart from being an expression of profound faith and devotion to the Santo Niño, the Dinagyang Festival has also evolved into a showcase of a distinct and intricate cultural tapestry that is uniquely Ilonggo. 

Since the late 1960’s, the Dinagyan Festival in Iloilo City has drawn pilgrims and devotees of the Santo Niño from all corners of the country and even from various parts of the world. Derived from the Hiligaynon word “dagyang” which translates to festive celebration or merrymaking, the Dinagyang Festival is both a radiant display of culture and heritage and a testament of deep faith and spiritual passion. What started as a simple religious procession to welcome the image of the Infant Jesus has, through the years, transformed into a grand statement of the Ilonggo brand of creativity, their shared identity, their unity in faith and vision, and their deep commitment to promote and preserve their heritage and traditions. 

Apart from the religious significance of the Dinagyang Festival, the celebration undoubtedly impacts local and national economy and tourism, very much like other Philippine festivities which create opportunities for local enterprises to promote products, establish business linkages, discover other potential markets, and such other similar probabilities to expand trade and commerce even beyond the city and the province.

As the various activities lined up for the 2024 Dinagyang Festival unfold in the coming days – from the street dances, pageants, food festivals, fluvial processions, mardi gras, light parades – may prayer and thanksgiving remain the center of the celebration. I will surely be joining fellow Dinagyang enthusiasts in the streets of Iloilo City one of these days and witness the joy and jubilation in honor of the Holy Child Jesus. 

 

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