Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas has announced that the upcoming Dinagyang Festival will place a renewed and clear emphasis on the spiritual devotion of the Ilonggo people. The mayor stated that the festival's core focus for this year is the deep faith in Señor Sto. Niño.
A Festival Rooted in Faith and Gratitude
Mayor Treñas revealed that she gave specific instructions to the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI) to ensure all programs strengthen the event's spiritual foundation. This directive aims to return the celebration to its original spirit of prayer, thanksgiving, and devotion, which inspired its creation decades ago.
The theme for this year's celebration, "Bugay sang Ginoo, Bugal sang mga Ilonggo" (Blessings of the Lord, Pride of the Ilonggos), perfectly captures this vision. It highlights the inseparable connection between the community's gratitude for divine blessings and their profound cultural pride.
Three Days of Spiritual and Cultural Highlights
The main festivities will unfold over three action-packed days from January 23 to 25, 2026. The schedule is a blend of religious observances and vibrant cultural performances.
January 23 kicks off with the Fluvial Procession and Solemn Foot Procession at 1 p.m. The evening will light up with the Dinagyang Ilomination and Floats Parade of Lights, alongside the Iloilo Food Festival, starting at 5 p.m.
On January 24, the day begins with the fun Dinagyang Pet Parade and the Festive Parade Sponsors’ Mardi Gras at 8 a.m. The Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan cultural competition follows at 1 p.m., culminating in the Grand Religious Sadsad (street dancing) at 7 p.m.
Grand Finale: Unity Dance and Tribal Competition
The final day, January 25, starts with the Feast Day of Señor Santo Niño de Cebu Concelebrated High Mass at 6 a.m. The highly anticipated Dinagyang Tribes Competition begins at 8 a.m.
The festival will reach its climax with a special final presentation. All competing tribes will gather at the Iloilo Sports Complex for a Unity Dance. This grand performance will feature a solemn entrance of the image of Señor Sto. Niño, followed by a special celebratory finale designed to underscore the festival's renewed focus on faith.
Mayor Treñas affirmed that while Dinagyang will continue to embrace creative innovations, its heart must forever remain anchored in the devotion that gave it life. This year's celebration is a powerful testament to that enduring spirit.
