A translation of faith and secular interests and the source of pride among the Ilonggos
DINAGYANG FESTIVAL!
Ilonggo writer Pacifico Sudario came up with the term "dinagyang" to refer to the riotous celebration of the festival. It is one of the biggest and world-class festivals in the Philippines. It traces the history of devotion to the Holy Child Jesus also known to Filipino devotees and catholics as Sr. Sto. Niño. It commemorates the arrival of the Malay settlers and the legendary barter of Panay Island from the natives called Ati.
The festival officially begins in December with the Pamukaw or awakening and runs through January of the following year. Packed with activities that highlights on its fourth weekend with the salvo of a thousand drums, the tambor trumpa, martsa musika, and a fluvial procession, all happening on a Friday. Saturday is for the Kasadyahan Regional Showcase. The climax of the festival happens on a Sunday...the most awaited Dinagyang Ati Contest.
Indeed, Dinagyang Festival is a cultural phenomenon that will forever be a mirror of the Ilonggos' authenticity, commodification of ethnicity, globalization, and tradition. Every vision of a choreographer, and every interpretation of a dancer is a vehicle of translation.
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