Iloilo City’s Dinagyang Festival was recognized as the Best Festival (Visayas) at the Philippine LEAF Awards 2024.
The award was received by Elvert Bañares, co-artistic director of Dinagyang Festival, at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila on Thursday, Feb. 8.
“Festivals are about People and Community. So this award is for the People, the Community. It is symbolic of what we can all achieve as one community as Ilonggos and as Filipinos,” said Bañares.
Dinagyang bested three other finalists — Bailes de Luces of La Castellana, Negros Occidental, Sinulog Festival of Cebu City, and the Ati-Atihan Festival of Kalibo, Aklan — in the Outstanding Festival category.
In a Facebook post, City Mayor Jerry Treñas said the award is a “testament to the unwavering dedication, creativity, and passion that we have poured into making the Iloilo Dinagyang Festival a truly remarkable celebration.”
“This victory belongs to all of us, as we come together to celebrate the spirit of Viva Señor Sto Niño and showcase the rich cultural heritage of Iloilo. Let us continue to march forward with pride and unity, carrying the flame of the Iloilo Dinagyang Festival,” he added.
Dinagyang is an annual cultural and religious event held every fourth week of January.IMT
