While Iloilo City is fast emerging as one of the top tourist destinations in the country, there is no denying that this city experiences the highest influx of visitors in the fourth week of January, thanks to its world-renowned Dinagyang Festival. After all, this festival has more to offer other than artificially black-colored warriors clad in colourful costumes dancing to the beats of the drums.
If you are flying in to Iloilo to take part in the Dinagyang festival for the very first time this year, be ready to have a blast in more ways than one. The festivities it offers, after all, are something you don’t get to experience somewhere and at any other time of the year. While the list of the activities that you can do seems to be endless, here are the three things that you must do to define your first-ever Dinagyang festival.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3cBi64gAU_/
Witness the tribe competitions. Without question, witnessing the tribe and warrior competition in downtown Iloilo is a must for any Dinagyang first-timer. While the colourful and intricately designed festival costumes, the festive beat of the drums, and the sea of crowd are sure to excite the senses, the tribe competition can also deepen or re-ignite one’s devotion to the Sto. Nino. After all, Dinagyang, more than anything else, is a religious festival in honor of the Child Jesus.
Viva Senor Sto. Nino!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BmJAvx0lsEW/
Treat yourself to a bowl of Batchoy. Whether you’re visiting Iloilo or returning to experience the Dinagyang for the first time, eating a bowl of steaming hot Batchoy is mandatory. Whether you dig in after a night of heavy Dinagyang partying and drinking or to simply satiate your hunger, a bowl of batchoy will surely delight your palates.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7hwvWTASO1/
Visit Megaworld Iloilo Business Park. Beyond the shadow of doubt, much of Iloilo’s economic progress is reflected by Iloilo Business Park. Many visitors are left in awe with the massive and impressive structures that have emerged in what used to be the Iloilo airport, thanks to the leading developer in the country, Megaworld.
So, why should a first-time Dinagyang attendee visit Megaworld-iloilo Business Park? Well, apart from its world-class hotels, condominiums, BPO offices, dining and entertainment strip, and a high-end lifestyle mall, the 72-hectare development has now become converging venue for major Dinagyang activities! Now, that is a Dinagyang vibe and energy similar to that in downtown Iloilo (or even better), happening at the highly esteemed township development in the country. So to speak, except for the tribe competition, you can experience all the Dinagyang must-haves in Megaworld-Iloilo Business park!
Are you visiting Iloilo or attending the Dinagyang Festival for the very first time this year? Heed the suggestions discussed above and you’ll never regret your experience in the City of Love!