The Dinagyang Festival is a religious and cultural festival held annually on the fourth Sunday of January in Iloilo City, Philippines. It is a celebration in honor of the Santo Niño (Holy Child Jesus), the city’s patron saint. The festival is known for its lively street parades, featuring costumed dancers, musicians, and drummers. The highlight of the festival is the Ati-Atihan competition, which features tribes of indigenous people performing traditional dances and chants.

The Dinagyang Festival has its roots in a pre-colonial legend that tells the story of the arrival of Malay settlers on Panay Island. The legend says that the settlers were met by the Ati, the indigenous people of the island, who welcomed them with open arms. The two groups eventually intermarried, and their descendants are the Ilonggo people of today.

The Dinagyang Festival is a way for the Ilonggo people to commemorate their history and culture. It is also a celebration of their faith and devotion to the Santo Niño. The festival is a joyous and colorful event that is enjoyed by people of all ages.

Here are some of the highlights of the Dinagyang Festival:

• The Ati-Atihan Competition: This is the highlight of the festival, featuring tribes of indigenous people performing traditional dances and chants. The tribes are judged on their costumes, choreography, and overall performance.
• The Traslacion Procession: This is a religious procession that takes place on the eve of the festival. The image of the Santo Niño is carried through the streets of Iloilo City, accompanied by thousands of devotees.
• The Fluvial Parade: This is a parade of boats that takes place on the day of the festival. The boats are decorated with colorful flags and banners, and they carry images of the Santo Niño.
• The Street Parties: The street parties are a major part of the Dinagyang Festival. They take place throughout the week of the festival, and they feature live music, dancing, and drinking.