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The Iconic Dinagyang Festival Dance


ILOILO City – Tribu Parianon is this year’s Dinagyang 2023 champion. From Molo district, Tribu Parianon was declared grand champion of the Dagyang sa Barangay competition while Tribu Jalaud  from Calinog, Iloilo won the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan contest. On this video, we invited Tribu Parianon to perform in our company Family Day celebration where they showcased their winning performance, Dinagyang Festival dance steps, Dinagyang Festival music thru drum beats and Dinagyang Festival costumes.


The Dinagyang Festival is one of the most vibrant and energetic celebrations in the Philippines, and the Dinagyang dance is a highlight of the festivities. This traditional dance is performed by skilled dancers dressed in elaborate costumes, accompanied by the rhythmic beat of drums and other musical instruments.


Dinagyang is a Hiligaynon word extrapolated from dagyang meaning “merrymaking” It celebrates the feast of the Infant Jesus and the pact between the Datus and the locals.


In the above video, you will experience the excitement and energy of the Dinagyang Festival dance firsthand. You'll see the intricate choreography, the colorful costumes, and the infectious enthusiasm of the dancers as they move to the music.


On this article, you'll also learn about the history and significance of the Dinagyang Festival, which honors the Santo Niño (the Holy Child) and celebrates the arrival of Malay settlers to the region. It's a cultural experience that is not to be missed!


Watch and enjoy the captivating sights and sounds of the Dinagyang Festival dance. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or simply a lover of dance and culture, this video is sure to leave you feeling inspired and uplifted.



What is the Dinagyang Festival?


The Dinagyang Festival is a vibrant and colorful cultural festival celebrated in Iloilo City, Philippines. It is held every year on the fourth weekend of January to honor the Santo Niño (the Holy Child) and to celebrate the arrival of Malay settlers in the region.


During the festival, the streets of Iloilo City come alive with music, dance, and pageantry. One of the main highlights of the festival is the Dinagyang dance, which is performed by skilled dancers dressed in elaborate and colorful costumes. The dance is accompanied by the beat of drums and other traditional musical instruments, creating a lively and infectious atmosphere.


Aside from the Dinagyang dance, the festival also includes other events such as street parties, parades, food fairs, and cultural performances. It is a time for locals and visitors alike to come together and celebrate the rich history and cultural heritage of the region.


The Dinagyang Festival is not only a fun and exciting event, but it is also an important cultural tradition that helps to preserve the unique identity and traditions of the people of Iloilo City.



What are the different tribes competing in Dinagyang street dance 2023?


The Dinagyang street dance competition features various tribes, also known as "tribus," competing against each other. In 2023, there are eight tribes that participated in the Dinagyang Festival street dance competition. These tribes are: Tribu Sagasa, Tribu Parianon, Tribu Panaad, Tribu Familia Sagrada, Tribu Molave, Tribu Ilonggohanon, Tribu Kanyao sang Baybayanon, and Tribu Halimau.  


Each tribe has its own unique costume, choreography, and music that reflect the culture and traditions of the region. The tribes compete for the top spot by showcasing their creativity, skill, and passion through their performances. The street dance competition is one of the most anticipated events of the Dinagyang Festival, drawing crowds from all over the world to witness the colorful and lively performances.



What are the characteristics of Dinagyang Festival?


The Dinagyang Festival is known for its vibrant and colorful performances, religious processions, and cultural events. Here are some of the main characteristics of the Dinagyang Festival:


  1. Street performances: The festival features street performances by groups of dancers wearing colorful costumes and face paint. The performances are accompanied by the beat of drums and other musical instruments and are intended to tell the story of the Santo Niño's miraculous intercession in the lives of the Ilonggo people.
  2. Religious activities: The festival includes a religious procession that takes place on the first day of the festival. The procession begins at the St. Joseph Parish Church and ends at the San Jose Parish Church, where a Mass is celebrated. There are also other religious activities throughout the festival, such as novena masses, processions, and the reenactment of the arrival of the Santo Niño in Iloilo.
  3. Cultural events: The Dinagyang Festival also includes a trade fair, a food festival, and other cultural events. The festival is an opportunity for the Ilonggos to showcase their culture and traditions through music, dance, and other artistic performances.
  4. Participation: The festival is an inclusive event, and people of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to participate. The festival is not only for locals but also attracts visitors from all over the Philippines and around the world.
  5. Spirit of merrymaking: The Dinagyang Festival is a celebration of life and faith, and the spirit of merrymaking and revelry is evident throughout the festival. The festival is a time of joy, gratitude, and devotion for the Ilonggo people.



The music of the Dinagyang Festival


The music of the Dinagyang Festival is characterized by the beat of drums and other percussion instruments. The festival music is intended to be lively, upbeat, and energetic, to match the colorful and dynamic performances of the dancers.


One of the most important musical instruments used during the Dinagyang Festival is the drum, particularly the "dabakan." The dabakan is a large, cylindrical drum made of wood and animal hide. It is played by striking the drumhead with the hands or with sticks, producing a deep and resonant sound.


Other percussion instruments used during the festival include the "tambor," a small drum played with sticks, the "plastic tabor," a plastic drum played with sticks, and the "agung," a set of two large, metal gongs played with wooden sticks.


The music of the Dinagyang Festival also features a variety of other instruments, such as trumpets, flutes, and guitars. These instruments add melody and harmony to the festival's musical performances.


Overall, the music of the Dinagyang Festival is an essential component of the festival's vibrant and dynamic atmosphere. It is a celebration of life and faith, and the festival music plays an important role in creating a festive and joyful atmosphere for both participants and spectators.



History of the Dinagyang Festival


The Dinagyang Festival is a religious and cultural festival celebrated in the city of Iloilo in the Philippines. It is held every year on the fourth Sunday of January, and it honors the Santo Niño (Holy Child Jesus).


Iloilo City is a city located in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. It is located on the southern coast of the island of Panay, and is the capital of the province of Iloilo.


The origins of the Dinagyang Festival can be traced back to the late 1960s when a group of local students organized a parade to honor the Santo Niño. The students, who were members of the Iloilo City National High School (now the Iloilo City National High School-Mandurriao), dressed up in colorful costumes and danced to the beat of drums and other musical instruments.


The festival gained popularity over the years, and in 1977, the Iloilo City government officially declared it a religious and cultural festival. The festival's name "Dinagyang" comes from the Ilonggo word "dagyang," which means "merrymaking" or "revelry."


The Dinagyang Festival is known for its vibrant street performances, which feature dancers in colorful costumes and face paint. The performances are accompanied by the beat of drums, and they tell the story of the Santo Niño's miraculous intercession in the lives of the Ilonggo people.


The festival also features a religious procession, which takes place on the first day of the festival. The procession begins at the St. Joseph Parish Church and ends at the San Jose Parish Church, where a Mass is celebrated.


In addition to the street performances and religious activities, the Dinagyang Festival also includes a trade fair, a food festival, and a variety of other cultural events. The festival attracts visitors from all over the Philippines and from around the world, making it one of the most popular festivals in the country.



Why is Dinagyang festival celebrated?


The Dinagyang Festival is celebrated to honor the Santo Niño (Holy Child Jesus). According to the festival's history and legend, the Santo Niño played a significant role in the conversion of the local population to Christianity.


In the 16th century, Spanish explorers led by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan arrived in the Philippines and brought with them the Christian faith. In Iloilo, the locals were resistant to the new religion and refused to convert. However, a group of Spanish missionaries arrived in Iloilo in the mid-1500s and introduced the Santo Niño to the locals.


The Santo Niño, also known as the Holy Child Jesus, is a representation of Jesus Christ as an infant. The statue of the Santo Niño was said to have been given to the local chieftain, Datu Puti, as a gift from the Spanish explorer, Legazpi. The Santo Niño then became a significant part of the local culture, and its veneration eventually led to the conversion of the Ilonggos to Christianity.


The Dinagyang Festival celebrates the Santo Niño's role in the conversion of the Ilonggos and the deepening of their faith. It is also an opportunity for the locals to express their gratitude and devotion to the Santo Niño through colorful performances, religious activities, and cultural events.





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