Dinagyang Festival Returns to Global Spotlight, Set to Perform in Japan, New Zealand

After a seven-year absence on the international stage, the widely acclaimed Iloilo Dinagyang Festival is set to return to the global spotlight this year, ready to dazzle and impress a worldwide audience.According to Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Trenas, the world-class festival got an invitation to perform in Osaka, Japan, and Auckland, New Zealand, in June and November, respectively.

“We are excited. This opportunity reignites our excitement to once again showcase internationally our pride and joy, the Dinagyang Festival,” Mayor Trenas said.

“It has always been a symbol of our faith, culture, unity, and creativity, and now, more than ever, we are eager to present the best of what we have to offer to a global audience,” he added.

The local government expects more invitations in the coming years with the COVID-19 pandemic already behind us, Trenas further said.

The last time the Dinagyang Festival was showcased abroad was in 2018, when then-champion Tribu Panayanon performed during the Philippine Independence Day in New York City.

Dinagyang Festival is a multi-awarded spectacle, being the seven-time and reigning champion of Aliwan Fiesta, an annual event that gathers different cultural festivals of the Philippines held at the Star City Complex in Pasay City.It also captured the Best Festival in the 2024 Philippine Leaf Awards and was recognized as the Asia-Pacific Folklore Festival of 2024 by the prestigious International Festival and Events Association (IFEA)-Asia at the Asian Festival Awards. It is the only recipient from the Philippines since IFEA’s inception in 1956.

This year, eight tribes competed, including Tribu Paghidaet, Tribu Parianon, Tribu Ilonganon, Tribu Pag-asa kang Manduryaw, Tribu Hangaway, Tribu Molave, Tribu Salognon, and Tribu Pan-ay.They dazzled local and foreign visitors alike with their performances based on this year’s Dinagyang theme, “Buhi nga Pagtuo sa Kinabuhi sang mga Ilonggo.”

“Through the years, the Dinagyang Festival has served as a reminder to us Ilonggos that we can stand the test of time, becoming stronger and prouder with each passing year,” Trenas said in his Dinagyang message.The League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) congratulated and commended Treñas, who served as its National Adviser, for successfully staging the Dinagyang Festival. Recognizing the importance of preserving cultural heritage and presenting cities’ unique history and traditions, the LCP, through its representatives, also joined the City of Love and UNESCO’s Creative City of Gastronomy in the celebration of Dinagyang Festival 2025.They were welcomed by colorful parades and rich cultural and food displays in Iloilo City during the festivity.

Meantime, Professor Ruben Gamala, through his Facebook posts, shared unforgettable impressions of his guests.

Gamala said that his visitors from Albay, Mr. Ben Artiaga and his wife Tess, commended Mayor Treñas, the entire city government, and the private sector for coming together to plan, organize, and execute a superb festival.

According to him, Australia-based Filipino nurse Sai Quemodo described the performances as well-prepared and artistic, as well as a great illustration of Iloilo’s history and appreciation for the environment.

He further shared another feedback from US-based friend and first-timer in Iloilo, Mr. Johan Dyseng, who said: “I like the Saturday performance of Dinagyang festival kasi yung theme is local festival. The music and costumes are New York Broadway quality, so is the choreography.”

He was particularly got impressed by the performance of Maasin’s Tultugan Festival, with “performers and the hundred of musicians all smiling and having fun while performing. Best of all, the instruments they are using are all made by bamboo.”

More visitors, especially the first-timers, took to social media to express their feel-good sentiments experiencing the Dinagyang.

“Attending the Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City for the first time, I am truly in awe of the vibrant and festive atmosphere. The warmth, kindness, and hospitality of the people of Iloilo, the City of Love, have left a lasting impression on me. Truly, malambing, mabait, and accommodating,” vlogger MejasTravels posted as he shared some unforgettable moments he captured, which he described as – the faces of dedication, hard work, and devotion to Sto. Niño.