ILOILO CITY – The Dinagyang Festival of this city was awarded the Asia-Pacific Folklore Festival of 2024 by the International Festival and Events Association (IFEA-Asia) in Pattaya, Thailand.

ILOILO Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI) president Allan Tan (center) received the Asia-Pacific Folklore Festival of 2024 award for the Dinagyang Festival alongside the event’s artistic directors Eric Divinagracia (right) and Elvert Bañares. (IFFI)
The festival held every January in honor of the Santo Niño (Holy Child Jesus) has the distinction of being the only Philippine recipient of the award since IFEA was established in 1956.
The award was received by the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI) led by its president Allan Tan and Dinagyang Festival artistic directors Eric Divinagracia and Elvert Bañares.
This city was thankful for the citation.
“Our beloved Iloilo Dinagyang Festival has once again made a remarkable impression internationally. This honor extends beyond our city to represent the entire Philippines,” said Mayor Jerry Treñas.
This award was the latest for the Dinagyang. Last month, Dinagyang was named the Best Festival for the Visayas of the Philippine LEAF Awards.