The vibrant city of Iloilo is ready to welcome visitors for the much-anticipated Dinagyang Festival 2025. Known for its unique fusion of tradition and modernity, the festival promises a showcase of Ilonggo culture, craftsmanship, and culinary heritage. Derived from the Hiligaynon word for revelry, “Dinagyang” embodies the spirit of joy and celebration.
Dinagyang Festival has earned its reputation for impressive choreography, colorful costumes, and cultural significance. This year, the festival went beyond performances, offering a wide array of events at SM City Iloilo.
With its “AweSM Iloilo” tagline, SM City Iloilo served as the centerstage of the Dinagyang 2025 festivities, which delivered unforgettable experiences for locals and tourists alike.
The Dinagyang celebration kicked off on January 15 with the special
screening of Cande’ at SM Cinema 3. The highly anticipated Ilonggo film is
Directed by the award-winning Ilonggo filmmaker and UPV Professor, Mr. Kevin
Piamonte, and produced by Atty. Jobert Peñaflorida and Ms. Rhea Peñaflorida.
On January 17, the Dinagyang tRAIbaho PESO Job Fair 2025 took place at the Event Center with 97 local companies, 14 BPOs, and 9 international firms offering exciting career opportunities. A total of 3,451 applicants were interviewed, with 2,566 qualifying, 1,545 selected for further interviews, and 220 hired on the spot.
The Dinagyang Fun Ride then followed on January 18, at South Point from 5:00 AM to 9:00 AM participated by almost 500 riders.
From January 19 to 26, visitors explored the AweSM Iloilo Dinagyang Festival Costumes Exhibit at the Event Center. Simultaneously, the AweSM Tourism Booth at North Point and the AweSM Festival Sale mallwide also had its run during the same period. The Best of Iloilo Fair was also opened at both the Event Center and North Point during these dates.
The festival continued with the Dinagyang Arnis Competition at Cyberzone from January 23 to 25, while meet-and-greet and parades with the Dinagyang Warriors happened daily from January 23 to 26 around the mall, between 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Culinary highlights include the Grand Iloilo Food Festival, the Batchoy Festival, and the South Point Party, all happened at South Point from January 23 to 26, from 2:00 PM to 12:00 AM. Highlighting Iloilo’s reputation as a gastronomic haven, the Grand Iloilo Food Festival and Batchoy Festival delighted food enthusiasts, offering a delectable showcase of the region’s culinary excellence.
From January 23 to 27, visitors also enjoyed the Music and Arts Festival at South Point from 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM, showcasing vibrant performances and creative displays.
The Dinagyang ILOmination Grand Opening took place on January 24 at the mall façade at 7:00 PM. SM City Iloilo became the prime venue and main judging area of the event. A Grand Fireworks Show also lighted up the sky on January 25 at South Point at 9:00 PM. The celebration culminated on January 26 with a star-studded South Point Party, featuring performances by Darren Espanto and Horizon along with other artists from 2:00 PM to 12:00 AM.
Mayor Jerry P. Treñas assured that this year’s Dinagyang prioritized safety and inclusivity. With no signal jamming and enhanced security measures, together with the Philippine National Police and Philippine Army, the city committed to creating a secure environment for everyone. “I trust in the capability of our police force to uphold safety and order without the need for signal jamming.”, said Treñas.
Dinagyang 2025 is a celebration of Ilonggo resilience, creativity, and unity. With the community and key partners like SM City Iloilo, coming together, Iloilo City became a hub for celebration and festivities. (SM Supermalls)
