The 2024 Dinagyang Festival highlights are set to unfold this week and Ilonggos and visitors are in for a spectacle as Iloilo City is poised to entertain guests with its diverse culture and talents that will surely send the party mode on.
Afterall, Dinagyang is a Hiligaynon term for Merrymaking. The festival is a perfect representation of the Ilonggos’ zest for adventures and resilience amidst all of life’s challenges. The private sector’s support has been a major force in making the Dinagyang Festival a success through the years.
SM City Iloilo, a major corporate partner of the Iloilo City government, has lined up various events as it transforms into the heartbeat of the festivities, playing host to the most exciting events of the festival.
‘AweSM Iloilo’
With its AweSM Iloilo campaign, SM City Iloilo is the core venue of activities that celebrate everything Iloilo. Among the city’s biggest events, the Grand Iloilo Food Festival (January 24 to 28) and the Batchoy Festival (January 25 to 28) can all be experienced at the city’s biggest mall. The food festival will showcase a wide variety of the most celebrated Ilonggo food, making the mall a culinary focal point complementing Iloilo City’s distinction as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.
Celebrating Culture and Ilonggo Ingenuity
Enjoy Ilonggo creativity through the Dinagyang Festival Costumes Exhibit on display at SM up to January 28. Meanwhile, the One Visayas Creative Expo 2024 (January 22 to 28), a joint activity of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Western Visayas and the Regional Development Council 6, showcases the best products, destinations, and festivals of Region 6, 7 and 8. Dubbed as the biggest trade exposition in the Visayas, it is a treat for locals and visitors alike.
Festival Frenzy
There are lots of festival activities to do at SM City Iloilo! Meet and greet with the Dinagyang Warriors (January 25 to 28), or check out the AweSM street art displays at Southpoint in partnership with Museo Iloilo and Boysen. There will be an unveiling of the biggest wall mural in the country on January 26. Get into full-on festival groove at the Dinagyang Warriors Parade (January 25 to 28). Head over to the Viva Music Festival with Ron Poe and JK Labajo (January 27 to 28)! It promises a heart-pumping celebration for partygoers. You will definitely feel the Dinagyang vibe and spirit very much alive at the mall!
Spectacular Displays
Other treats for visitors include the Tech and Creators Fair (January 27 to 28), and a Drones and Fireworks Display (January 26, 9pm). SM City Iloilo will be the main stage of the Dinagyang ILOmination (grand launch on January 26, 6pm, which promises to give spectators the best view of the carousel-type event.
A haven for Dinagyang memories and keepsakes
Those who wants to have a piece of Dinagyang can count on the Pasalubong Center in the mall where they can buy keepsakes to keep the memories of the festivities alive. From T-shirts to Dinagyang dolls and collectible mugs, memories of the festival can be found at Fiesta Favorite Souvenirs, with several vestiges of varied and exciting designs.
SM City Iloilo promotes the heritage of the Ilonggos by doing its share to promote sustainability, by giving a venue to local artisans and reach a wider audience.
Everyone is invited to a fun-filled Dinagyang 2024 as the Iloilo City Government and its festival partners welcome visitors to experience the heart of AweSM Iloilo. #
