LakbayLoyd: LakbayLoyd Fiesta Series : The Battle of the Tribes at the DINAGYANG FESTIVAL

The Dinagyang Festival is Iloilo City's version of the famous Ati-Atihan Festival held Kalibo and other parts of the country. It started way back in 1967 when the image of Sto. Nino was brought to IloIlo City from Cebu. Since then, the Dinagyang Festival was celebrated and the grand celebration is held every fourth week of January, a week after the Sinulog celebration. It may not be as old as the Ati-Atihan but definitely much much more impressive in terms of costume design, a display of Ilongos' artistry, ingenuity and craftsmanship, exquisite choreography and original musical scoring. The production numbers were very well-kept secrets and were only revealed during the competition itself, that's according to production insiders.

There are two major events during the festivals final weekend of the festivity. The Kasadyahan Regional Cultural Competition, held on the fourth Saturday, is participated by visiting tribes from different towns and provinces all over the Visayas and Mindanao. The most attended, much awaited and highly-anticipated Ati Tribe Competition is held.

I was able to witness Dinagyang Festival for the past three consecutive years, and like most of the festival's aficionados, I am very much convinced that the Dinagyang Festival is the best tourism event in the Philippines for all time.

In photos, the grand winner for three consecutive years - Tribu Panayanon.