Dinagyang Festival 2024: Activities, Schedule, and Food Guide
Iloilo, the Philippines’ City of Love, has a special place in my heart, so Dinagyang Festival is definitely on my bucket list.
I’ve visited Iloilo twice before, but I haven’t attended their famous Dinagyang Festival yet.
I asked several Ilonggo friends for festival tips and recommendations on the things to do, food to eat and places to chill to make this guide authentic and up-to-date.
If you plan to attend Dinagyang this year, this guide could help you get party-ready.
Dinagyang Festival History and Origin
The Dinagyang Festival is held every fourth weekend of January.
For 2024, that would be January 26 (Friday), January 27 (Saturday) and January 28 (Sunday).
However, many activities begin as early as December.
The festival honors Santo Niño (Holy Infant Jesus). It was inspired by Cebu’s Sinulog Festival and Aklan’s Ati-Atihan Festival.
The event was introduced in Iloilo by Rev. Fr. Ambrosio Galindez in November 1967. At the time, festivities were originally confined to the church.
In 1969, the Ati-Atihan contest became a part of the cultural aspect of the celebration. This is what we know now as the Ati Tribe Competition.
Since then, the festival has expanded into a month-long, colorful celebration complete with mini festivals (food fest, music festivals), street parties, and more.
10 Things to Do at Dinagyang Festival 2024
Held annually every fourth weekend of January, the Dinagyang Festival is divided into three major events:
- the ILOmination with Floats Parade of Lights (Friday evening)
- the Kasadyahan Festival (on a Saturday morning)
- the Ati Tribe Competition (on a Sunday)
These events are free to attend. But you can also buy tickets, usually to get first dibs on the best views of the competition and performances.
1. ILOmination and Floats Parade of Lights
The ILOmination and Floats Parade of Lights has become another must-see activity during Dinagyang.
First added into the festivities in 2023, ILOmination showcases 7 competing tribes representing Iloilo’s seven districts.
Dinagyang ILOmination tribes:
- Tribu Arevalo (Kahirup)
- Tribu City Proper (Ilonggohanon)
- Tribu Jaro (Buntag-tala)
- Tribu Lapaz (Sagasa)
- Tribu Lapuz (Sidlangan)
- Tribu Mandurriao
- Tribu Molo (IAFA)
It is similar to Kasadyahan, except participants of ILOmination all wear bright, illuminated costumes during their performance.
During this parade-type street dance competition, spectators will witness a showdown in three judging areas.
The Floats Parade of Lights also happens during the event.
Both the ILOmination Tribes competition and Floats Parade of Lights will occur on Friday evening, January 26, 2024, from 6:00 PM at Ayala-SM-Megaworld.
2. Kasadyahan Festival
Kasadyahan Regional Cultural Competition is one of the highlights of the annual Iloilo Dinagyang Festival.
From the 1980s to 2019, Kasadyahan served as some kind of “sideshow” to the more famous, highly anticipated Ati Tribe competition.
Kasadyahan originally featured cultural performances by colleges and universities in Iloilo. It later accepted participants from other provinces, even those outside of West Visayas.
Every Kasadyahan performance tells the story and history of their represented municipality.
In the last quarter of 2023, the Iloilo government announced that it renamed Kasadyahan Festival to Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahan. And that instead of being a regional competition, it will now go back to its origins and showcase different town festivals in Iloilo province.
Kasadyahan 2024 kicked off on January 5 at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand with a unity dance by the competing tribes.
Check out the opening salvo of the 9 tribes participating this year:
1) Katagman Festival of Oton
Municipality of Oton celebrates the history and culture of Panay’s ancient trading port, Katagman (what we know now as San Antonio, Oton).
2) Saad Festival of Leganes
The Municipality of Leganes honors their patron saint St. Vincent Ferrer through a cultural dance-drama presentation.
3) Pantat Festival of Zarraga
The municipality of Zarraga showcases their #1 farm product – the catfish, and honor it through dance.
4) Cry of Jelicuon Festival of New Lucena
The Municipality of New Lucena re-enacts the historic Cry of Jelicuon and Ilonggos’ fight for freedom against the Spanish rule.
5) Kaing Festival of Leon
Municipality of Leon pays homage to kaing (a bamboo-made basket) and how it symbolizes the town’s abundant harvest.
5) Tultugan Festival of Maasin
Municipality of Maasin gives tribute to their tultugan, a native bamboo percussion.
6) Hirinugyaw-Suguidanonay Festival of Calinog
Hirinugyaw – Suguidanonay Festival of Calinog celebrates their vibrant culture and heritage through dance, highlighting the art of storytelling through chants.
6) Banaag Festival of Anilao
Municipality of Anilao displays hundreds of “lights” through dance.
7) Kasag Festival of Banate
Municipality of Banate celebrates the contribution of the blue crab industry to the local economy.
The Kasadyahan Sa Kabanwahanan Tribes Competition will be held on January 27, 2024 (Saturday), starting 1:30PM at the downtown area.
3. Ati Tribe Competition (2024 Dinagyang Tribes Competition)
Ati Tribe competition is the highlight of Dinagyang – it’s a must-see if you haven’t attended one.
The Ati Competition involves different Ati-Ati tribes competing as they depict the history of how Santo Niño was brought in Iloilo.
Each tribe (locally called “tribu”) consists of a number of “warrior” dancers.
Aside from the dancers’ choreographed formation and patterns, the tribes’ performance is accompanied by the sound of loud drum beats and improvised percussion instruments innovated by the respective tribes.
For 2024, the competing tribes for DINAGYANG TRIBES COMPETITION 2024 comes from the different schools.
1. TRIBU ILONGANON of Jalandoni Memorial National High School
2. TRIBU MANDU-RIYAW of Mandurriao National High School
3. TRIBU PAGHIDAET of Lapaz National High School
4. TRIBU PAN-AY of Fort San Pedro National High School
5. TRIBU SALOGNON of Jaro National High School
6. TRIBU SILAK of Iloilo City National High School
7. TRIBU TAGA BARYO of Bo. Obrero National High School
8. TRIBU SIGABONG of Ramon Avanceña National High School
The main Tribes Competition will be held on January 28, 2024, starting from 8AM at the Iloilo Downtown area. Awarding Ceremony is set at 7PM the same day at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand.
Other Dinagyang Activities You Shouldn’t Miss
4. Foodfest at Downtown Iloilo
Dinagyang is best experienced with a serious food crawl.
It’s probably the best time to go on an Iloilo food trip since many must-try foods will be concentrated near the crowds.
And because Iloilo City was just designated as Creative City of Gastronomy by the Unesco (a first from the Philippines) in 2023… you can expect this year’s Dinagyang foodfest to be bigger and better.
The 2024 Dinagyang Food Festival will be held from January 25 to 28 in 10 locations.
You can find the food kiosks in the following areas:
- Bonifacio Street (one side only);
- Muelley Loney (at the back of the Provincial Capitol);
- Iloilo Provincial Capitol Grounds;
- Solis Street;
- Valeria Street (Atrium side, one side only);
- Valeria Street (Delgado side, one side only);
- Delgado Street (Amigo side);
- Delgado Street (SM Delgado side);
- Valeria Street (Marymart side); and
- Iznart Street.
The best part about Dinagyang Foodfest?
The food is affordable, there are bands and entertainers (usually from Manila), and everyone gets to join the fun free of charge.
Yep, no purchasing of tickets necessary.
Aside from these major food festivals, there will also be other Dinagyang food fest and bazaars organized all over town. GT Mall Activity Center’s Dinagyang Bazaar, for example, will run from January 16 to 26.
What must-eat Dinagyang food should you try? I talk about Iloilo food and must-visit food spots my Ilonggo friends recommend on this guide:
5. Viva Music Festival and Other Concerts
Viva Music Festival is a two- or three-day music festival. This year, Dinagyang VIVA 2024 Universe will be held at SM City Iloilo, Southpoint Carpark.
- Celestial Disco (EDM) on Day 1 (January 27, 2024, starting 7PM) showcases DJs from Iloilo and Manila.
- Cosmic Jam (Band Fest) on Day 2 (January 28, 2024, starting 7PM) features Juan Karlos. There will also be a Battle of the Bands on Day 2.
This isn’t a free event – tickets range from P550 (1-day entry) to P1,000 (2-day pass).
You can also reserve VIP tables from P15k to P25k if you plan to party with a group of 10.
There is also ILOILO MAG-INGAY!
Dubbed as the first Iloilo rap concert, ILOILO MAG-INGAY is presented by WD Entertainment Productions.
ILOILO MAG-INGAY! will be held on January 21, 2024 4PM at the University of San Agustin Gymnasium instead of the main Dinagyang weekend.
Looking for a Free Concert during 2024 Dinagyang?
DITO Telecommunity is hosting a free rock concert on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at Delgado St. in Iloilo City.
The headliner of this free TODO na DITO sa Dinagyang Festival 2024 Concert is Kamikazee (“Halik,” Narda,” “Huling Sayaw,” and more).
Local bands are also going to perform.
Check out DITO’s announcement here.
Bugtaw Ilonggo Music Festival is brought to you by WAVE PH.
This music festival will be held on the 27th at Atria Park District, starting 4PM.
The Bugtaw Ilonggo Music Festival will be composed of two parts:
- The first half will feature young Ilonggo artists performing cover songs in different genres
- The second half will pay tribute to original Hiligaynon compositions.
For ticket inquiries or other event-related questions, message Wave PH on Facebook.
The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra is back for the Dinagyang Musical Concert on Friday, January 19, 2024, 7:00pm at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand!
This is FREE and open to the public.
Bars, Private Events and Mini Concerts Everywhere
It’s almost a guarantee that smaller venues like Drink SLS or Manifesto Iloilo will also host their own parties at their respective spots.
Cuvèe (located at CUVÉE 2nd Floor SM City Southpoint Iloilo) is also joining Dinagyang 2024.
VIVÉ LA CUVÉE will feature special guest DJs and promos from January 26 to 28, 2024.
Message Cuvee on their Facebook or Instagram for table reservations.
Dinagyang 2024 Street Parties
The festivals and concerts above usually have entrance fees. If you’re on a budget, this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy Dinagyang without paying.
The festivities are everywhere… and Dinagyang Festival’s street parties are for everybody.
It doesn’t matter what kind of music you’re into or the type of fun you’re after.
If you’re lucky and you get invited to a friend’s house, then that’s when you’d have a complete Dinagyang experience.
Kid-Friendly Dinagyang Activities
All the events above are family- and kid-friendly. Probably except for bar-hopping and inuman parties.
But if you’re specifically looking for kid-friendly Dinagyang activities, you and your kids can join the following:
6. Watch the Drumbeats Competition
Dinagyang wouldn’t be complete without the heart thumping beat of the drums.
Every year, warriors of the drums from every tribe competes in the Dinagyang Drumbeats Competition.
For the 2024 Dinagyang Festival, the Drumbeats Competition will be held on January 25 at the Southpoint, SM City Iloilo.
7. Mall-hopping during Dinagyang 
If you have young kids or seniors who prefer not to squeeze in with the crowd, your best option is to go to the mall.
Festive Walk Mall is hosting several activities throughout the month, starting with the exhibit of Dinagyang costumes that showcase various tribal heritage. Some of these you’ll see participants wearing at Kasadyahan.
There will also be other activities, such as:
- Dinagyang Cosplay Festival (held at Indoor Atrium from January 12 – 18).
- Dinagyang IBP Light Show (held at Parksquare, IBP from January 24 – 28) 7PM.
- Iloilo Dinagyang Arts Festival (held at Java Road, IBP on January 24, 25, 26, 28) 4PM.
- PEPSI NIGHT (held at Festive Walk Parade from January 25 to 28) 7PM.
- The Grand Opening of the Biggest Food Festival (held at Java Road, IBP from January 25 to 28) 7PM.
Check the Festive Walk Mall FB page for updates.
Aside from Festive Walk Mall, other malls also have their own Dinagyang events:
- SM City Iloilo (AWESM ILOILO Dinagyang Costume Exhibit and AWESM ILOILO Tourism Booth),
- Robinsons Iloilo (DINAGYANG Zumba, Tourist Treats Promo, Hala Bira! Musika Ilonggo, Sadsad sa Mall)
- Atria (COSPLAY FUNQUEST, K-wave Kasadyahan, Kids ATI Kouture)
- GT Mall Pavia (Parade of Sto. Niño, DRESS LIKE STO. NIÑO PHOTO CONTEST, Pawbulous Dinagyang Costume Contest (For furbabies), Ms. Kiddie Dinagyang 2024)
8. Iloilo Dinagyang Marathon 2024: A Heritage Run
If you’re on a fitness kick and want to explore Iloilo’s heritage while pushing your limits, join the Dinagyang Marathon!
The marathon is going to be held on January 21, 2024 with distances 3k, 10k, 25k and 42k available.
Unfortunately, registration is already closed. You can try to post at the Iloilo Dinagyang Marathon Facebook page and see if someone wants to sell their race slots, but there’s no guarantee.
If you’re supporting someone or just want to buy merch as a memorabilia, fill out this form.
9. Religious Activities: Fluvial and Motorcade Parades, Sadsad and More
Dinagyang is first and foremost a religious festival, despite the competitions, parades, music, games and other cultural activities.
Decades later, the heart of this festival is still to honor Sto. Niño.
If you’re coming here with kids and want them to get an authentic Dinagyang experience, make sure you include some of these religious activities.
- Watch or Join the Fluvial and Motorcade Parades
In past Dinagyangs, the fluvial procession featured the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) fiber boats, dragon boats, jet skis, yachts, barges, and bancas.
The PCG’s 3503 MV Romblon led the fluvial procession from Fort San Pedro, passing through the Guimaras strait towards the Iloilo River.
It ended at Muelle Loney Street where passengers disembarked and joined other devotees in a foot procession.
- Religious SadSad (merry-making) at the San Jose Parish in Plaza Libertad
It’s up to you, really. You can flock to the San Jose church with other devotees to pray to Sto Niño, or just watch the parade from your chosen spot-of-the-moment.
10. Roblox Inflatable at Five Star Mobile Karnabal
- Location: Diversion Road, Mandurriao, Iloilo City (Entrance of Iloilo City Center)
- Entrance Fee for Roblox Inflatable: P100 for 10-year-old kids and under only
Aside from the Roblox Inflatable, there are other rides available for kids & adults such as the Galleon Ride, Sky Bike, Bounce Slide, Bumper Car and Sky Diver. Ride fees vary.
Entrance fee to the carnival is P30, but PWD and 5-year-old kids and below get in free of charge.
This play place is open from 5pm to 12 midnight.
7 Things You Should Know to Make Your Dinagyang Festival Experience a Memorable One
Looking for Dinagyang Festival 2024 information? Here are 7 things you should know:
1. Buy tickets, if you can afford to. It’s worth it!
People visit Iloilo from all parts of the country (and the world) to watch Kasadyahan, ILOmination and Ati Tribe Competition. Expect these main events to be crowded.
Buying tickets (near the stage or judging area) gives you access to areas where you can watch the event a bit closer to where the action is.
If this is the first time you’ll be watching the warriors walk, buy tickets so you can actually feel competitors’ energy as they go from one judging station to the next.
If you’re coming with kids, just the sound of the drum beats that close and seeing the live performances is a core memory no YouTube video can ever compare.
The only problem I see you facing is the ticket availability (these gets sold out pretty quickly).
Where to Buy Dinagyang Festival Tickets
Kasadyahan Tickets are available in Silver (PHP 500), Gold (PHP 1,000) and Platinum (PHP 1,500).
Dinagyang Tribes Competition tickets are available in Silver (PHP 1,500), Gold (PHP 2,000) and Platinum (PHP 2,500)
You can buy tickets to Kasadyahan and Ati-Tribes Competition at the following hotels:
- Hotel Del Rio: LANDLINE (033) 335-1171 (up to 74) | GLOBE 0917 654 8881 | SMART 0998 956 8500 |
- GT Hotel Iloilo: SMART 0998 967 7609 | GLOBE 0917 654 8885 |
- Richmonde Hotel Iloilo: LANDLINE (+63) 33 328 7888 | Email: stay@richmondeiloilo.com |
- Days Hotel by Wyndham Iloilo: GLOBE 09177003297
You can still get a good spot for free during one of the Dinagyang competitions – you just have to be there early… early as in 4am early.
2. Dress Comfy
You’ll be walking everywhere especially during the two main days of Dinagyang.
Roads near the main events are often closed. Food stalls are brought out to the streets. And streets are lined with festivities.
You won’t have a choice but to walk.
But you do have control on what you wear, so dress in comfortable clothes and shoes.
3. Bring Food, Water & Umbrella
Bring food and water.
If you’re planning to watch the performances live, be ready with your essentials since the competition lasts about 4 hours.
Bring umbrella, in case it drizzles.
Usually, only storms could stop the competition. So if you prefer not to get wet, be ready with your own umbrella or hat.
4. Shop Local
If you’re coming from Manila or another province/country, the best way to support Iloilo is to shop local.
Usually throughout the month, malls showcase Iloilo artists and sell their crafts, fashion, and other creations.
For example, the Festive Walk Mall is hosting PCCI ILOBEX Trade Fair from January 19 to 28.
Check out the One Visayas Creative Expo 2024 from January 22 to 28 at the SM City Iloilo activity center. It will showcase the best products, destinations, and festivals of Iloilo, Region 6, 7 and 8 as part of One Visayas and DTI’s “Buy Local, Go Lokal” initiative.
Also, skip fast food and try the local eats I listed on my Iloilo food guide.
5. Meet people
Ilonggos are some of the sweetest, most thoughtful and fun-loving people you can meet.
Without a doubt, my Iloilo visits wouldn’t be that memorable without the people so try to meet new friends.
If you meet people offering to paint your face, be aware that this isn’t free. They will charge you for it. But if you’ve got the funds, go for it!
6. Drink and Roam around the City
Dinagyang is Iloilo’s biggest fiesta. And because pinoys celebrate fiestas with non-stop drinking and eating, you have to be ready to drink or eat your heart out.
Iloilo (like most Philippine cities) have laws against drinking alcohol and smoking in public spaces.
But this isn’t the case during Dinagyang weekend, so expect a lot of happy, drunk people walking around the streets – it’s part of the fun.
One of my friends ended two (or more) of his Dinagyang celebrations sleeping on the streets – and came out OK to tell the tale haha
Sale of beer and other liquor to minors is still prohibited, though.
If you’re exploring Dinagyang alone (and you’re not from here), it’s best stick to main roads like Mandurriao Diversion Road where police is often around to ensure public safety. Or stay in or near Megaworld, SM City, Smallvile, or Atria.
7. No Signal Shutdown for Dinagyang 2024
In past Dinagyang Festivals, networks usually take away cellphone signals during the Saturday and Sunday festivities.
While the Iloilo City Council did announce that there wouldn’t be signal shutdowns this year, don’t panic if this happens.
It may still occur anytime from 8am to 5pm, usually during the ILOmination and the tribes competition.
Just to be sure, bring a powerbank (portable charger) for your phone and gadgets — especially if you plan to be on the streets the whole day.
Dinagyang Festival 2024 Schedule of Activities
You can find numerous smaller events all throughout Iloilo, but the main activities are as follows:
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- January 12, 2024
3PM | OPENING SALVO | Iloilo Freedom Grandstand - January 13, 2024
7PM | Miss Iloilo Coronation Night | Iloilo Convention Center - January 19 to 21, 2024
Iloilo Arts and Music Festival - January 24, 2024
1PM | Motorcade of Senor Sto. Nino de Cebu | Main streets of Iloilo City - January 25 to 28, 2024
Dinagyang Food Festival | Downtown area - January 26, 2024
1PM | Fluvial and Solemn Foot Procession | Iloilo River/Downtown area - January 26, 2024
6PM | Dinagyang Ilomination Street Dance Competition and Float Parade of Lights | Ayala/SM/Megaworld - January 27, 2024
8AM | Sadsad sa Calle Real | Downtown area - January 27, 2024
8AM | Festive Parade Sponsors’ Mardi Gras | Iloilo Freedom Grandstand - January 27, 2024
1PM | Kasadyahan sa Kabanhawanan | Iloilo Downtown area - January 27, 2024
7PM | Grand Religious Sadsad | San Jose Parish Placer - January 28, 2024
6AM | Concelebrated High Mass | San Jose Parish Placer - January 28, 2024
8AM | Dinagyang Tribes Competition | Iloilo Downtown area - January 28, 2024
7PM | Awarding Ceremony | Iloilo Freedom Grandstand
- January 12, 2024
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For schedules of other activities, check Iloilo Dinagyang Official Facebook or DINAGYANG Festival FB.
While the Ati-Atihan Festival (of Aklan) is known to be the Mother of All Festivals in the Philippines, Dinagyang remains a solid option when you’re looking for a unique festival experience.
Still got time to experience local culture? Aside from Dinagyang, here are other must-visit January festivals in the Philippines.
Oh, and thank you Ting, Jen and Manong Gus for the tips & recommendations – aylabyuu guys.
