Dinagyang Festival

I was fortunate to experience Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo last year.  It was my 5th time in Iloilo and I'm so glad to have been able to visit there and witness this event .  

Celebrated every 4th weekend of January in Iloilo, this event is characterized by frenetic dance moves and hypnotic drumbeats. It is a colorful day of thanksgiving to honor the Christianization of the natives and to pay respect to the Santo Niño . Tribes from around the place perform in 5 judging areas across the city. This streetdance competition is the main event of this festival.
Dancers in unbelievable costumes and black paint dance the streets shouting "Viva Santo Niño!".  These people are just to energetic that they don't seem to notice the heat and their tiredness.

On this day, streets of Iloilo City become a party haven.  Foods of all variety line up the streets and bands from all over the country perform at every corner.  The mood is certainly one of celebration and festivities.  Dinagyang is certainly a must see for every traveler!