By Vincent P. Grecia
Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI) has released the schedule of major events in the 2024 Iloilo Dinagyang Festival slated on January 12 – 28 next year.
IFFI executive director Joyce Clavecillas said the much-sought school-based tribes will make a comeback in the Tribes Competition and they will bring in major innovations in several events.
“We can consider the highlight for 2024 the comeback of the schools. The last time they took part in our Dinagyang Festival was in 2020, before the pandemic,” said Clavecillas.
The foundation, together with the Iloilo City government and the San Jose Parish, launched the “100-Day Countdown to Iloilo Dinagyang 2024” last Friday (Oct. 20) evening, where selected members of eight participating tribes had their initial performances.
Clavecillas said the Dinagyang “ILOmination” would already become a parade-type street dance competition to allow more spectators to witness their performances, unlike last year when they performed in stages.
The parade will start in Atria Park District and pass through SM City Iloilo up to the Iloilo Business Park.
The Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan, formerly Kasadyahan Festival, will be handled by the Iloilo provincial government to allow them to highlight the festivals of various municipalities.
They will also bring back the “Sadsad (merrymaking) sa Calle Real” that will allow spectators to watch, mingle and have their pictures taken with participating tribes.
There will be five barangay tribes leading the merrymaking in the downtown area.
“We will officially open the festival on Jan. 12, a Friday, through our opening salvo,” Clavecillas said.
Clavecillas noted that there will be changes in the parade route and food festival venues considering that there is an ongoing construction of the Iloilo Central Market in the City Proper.
The theme of 2024 Iloilo Dinagyang Festival is “Pagdayaw kay Señor Santo Niño, Pagdayaw sang mga Ilonggo.” (with PNA)
