
History of Dinagyang
Dinagyang began after Rev. Fr. Ambrosio Galindez, the first Filipino Rector of the Agustinian Community and Parish Priest of the San Jose Parish introduced the devotion to Santo Niño in November 1967 after observing the Ati-Atihan Festival in the province of Aklan. On 1968, a replica of the original image of the Santo Niño de Cebu was brought to Iloilo by Fr. Sulpicio Enderez of Cebu as a gift to the Parish of San Jose. The faithful, led by members of Confradia del Santo Niño de Cebu, Iloilo Chapter, worked to give the image a fitting reception starting at the Iloilo Airport and parading down the streets of Iloilo.
In the beginning, the observance of the feast was confined to the parish. The Confradia patterned the celebration on the Ati-atihan of Ibajay, Aklan, where natives dance in the streets, their bodies covered with soot and ashes, to simulate the Atis dancing to celebrate the sale of Panay. It was these tribal groups who were the prototype of the present festival.
In 1977, the Marcos government ordered the various regions of the Philippines to come up with festivals or celebrations that could boost tourism and development. The City of Iloilo readily identified the Iloilo Ati-atihan as its project. At the same time the local parish could no longer handle the growing challenges of the festival.
Dinagyang was voted as the best Tourism Event for 2006, 2007 and 2008 by the Association of Tourism Officers in the Philippines. It is one of few festivals in the world to get the support of the United Nations for the promotion of the Millennium Development Goals, and cited by the Asian Development Bank as Best Practice on government, private sector & NGO cooperatives.
Dinagyang Mascot
This is “DAGOY” The official and the first festival mascot of the country inviting you to join the 50th DINAGYANG Festival.
“Timeless Traditon, Culture and Devotion”
January 26-28, 2018. Hala bira Iloilo! Viva Señor Sto.Niño!
Nothing Beats the Beat of the “Queen Festival of the Philippines”.

New Freedom Grand Stand
ILOILO City – “Iloilo City Dinagyang Grandstand.” This is the temporary name of the new grandstand that replaced the demolished old Iloilo Freedom Grandstand, according to Mayor Jose Espinosa III.

Schedule of events

WHAT TO EAT
1. Batchoy

A serving of egg noodles called miki, topped with generous amounts of fried garlic, crushed chicharon (crispy fried pork skin), scallions, slivers of pork meat, intestines, and liver, and for the finishing touch–a spoonful of bone marrow.
2. TATOY’S NATIVE LECHON MANOK

Tatoy’s and Breakthrough are probably the most popular restaurants in Iloilo. But when at Tatoy’s, one must order their famed lechon manok.
The charcoal-roasted native chicken called “daraag” is marinated in vinegar and calamansi then stuffed with lemongrass and sampalok leaves.
It’s crisped to a golden brown, with a very flavorful and slightly sour taste from the marinade. Native chicken is known to have a gamey taste and stringy texture because it’s leaner with less fat.
3. Talaba

The oysters are cooked parboiled/steamed to make them easier to open. Good quality oysters have a fresh taste and smell and are very fat and succulent.
Ilonggos prefer to pair these with the iconic spicy vinegar “sinamak” that’s sometimes mixed with soy sauce and calamansi.
Besides the vinegar, our friend Renzo told us to drink soft drinks to minimize the chance of an upset stomach.
4. Pancit Molo

Pancit Molo is a soup dish made of meat-filled dumplings, with shredded chicken, and a very savory thick broth.
It originated from the town of Molo in the province of Iloilo, influenced by the wanton soups brought in by the community of Chinese settlers in the area.
5. breakthrough fresh seafood
Breakthrough Seafood Restaurant offers fresh catch from the sea just like Tatoy’s.
The Managat fish (also known as red snapper or mangrove jack), however, they culture on their own. It’s only taken out when ordered, then butterflied and grilled inasal style.
Imbao, a large, fatty type of clam is a pride of the Visayan region and best eaten raw. It has a jelly-like texture.
If you’re lucky, you can also eat the seasonal angel-wing shaped diwal from Capiz! They have a similar taste to mussels and the texture of fresh oyster, giving it a distinct flavor. They are usually baked, steamed, or grilled and topped with fresh garlic.
WHERE TO STAY
URBAN SANDS ILOILO HOTEL
Location: #17 M.H. Del Pilar Street, Molo, Iloilo, Philippines, 5000
Situated 19.7 km away from the city center, this hotel offers easy access to top tourist destinations in the place. Whether you are visiting this city for leisure or travel, the hotel provides an array of amenities and top-notch services that make it a great home away from home. The hotel’s amenities include a spa, outdoor pool, massage, pool (kids), and garden. You will also expect Wi-Fi in all rooms, daily housekeeping, express check-in/check-out, and more. Urban Sands Iloilo Hotel makes sure that your stay is as comfortable as possible.
CIRCLE INN- ILOILO CENTER

Location: Iznart Street, Maria Clara, City Proper, Iloilo, Philippines
Set 0.5 km away from the city center, this hotel is an ideal place to stay in to experience the best attractions the city offers. Some of the top tourist attractions close to the hotel include Marymart Mall, Plaza Libertad, and Iloilo Supermarket. The hotel aims to provide the best services and amenities to its guests. Some of its facilities include hot tub, massage, outdoor pool, and pool (kids). Its guestrooms are equipped with a multitude of comforts to impress even the most discerning guest. Many of its rooms are fitted with television LCD/plasma screen, non-smoking rooms, wireless Internet access, and air conditioning.
SEDA ATRIA

Location: Donato Pison Avenue, Mandurriao, Iloilo, Philippines, 5000
The hotel’s best-selling feature is its proximity to all the important destinations the city has to offer. Guests will expect outstanding services and a wide variety of amenities, including 24-hour security, free Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping, and 24-hour front desk. Boasting 152 bedrooms, the hotel provides exceptional recreational facilities, such as massage and fitness center should you wish to end your day relaxed. Many of its rooms are packed with clothes rack, television LCD/plasma screen, complimentary tea and instant coffee, and more, to make your stay even more unforgettable.
RICHMONDE HOTEL ILOILO

Location: Megaworld Boulevard cor. Enterprise Road, Iloilo Business Park, Mandurriao, Iloilo, Philippines, 5000
Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, Richmonde Hotel Iloilo is definitely the best choice. Located only a few kilometers away from the city center, this property provides an easy access to numerous points of interests in Iloilo. To make your stay in this hotel truly remarkable it offers free Wi-Fi in all of its rooms, 24-hour room service, 24-hour front desk, and 24-hour security. Featuring 149 rooms, the hotel ensures you will have a lot of things to do during your stay as it offers a host of recreational offerings. Such features make this hotel a nice place for an exciting break away.
HARBOR TOWN HOTEL

Location: Corner M Basa – Aldeguer Streets, City Proper, Iloilo, Philippines
If you are looking for a perfect venue for an exhilarating vacation in Iloilo, look no further than Harbor Town Hotel. Built in 1999, this hotel is a few minutes away from the airport. It is also close to numerous must-see attractions in the city. To further enrich your stay, this hotel offers a lot of services and amenities, such as daily housekeeping, free Wi-Fi in all of its rooms, luggage storage, and 24-hour front desk. Guests can also expect television LCD/plasma screen, closets, smoke detector, mirror, and more. Should you want to feel calmer, you may want to try out the hotel’s massage service.
DAYS HOTEL ILOILO
Location: The Atrium at the Capitol, Cor. Gen. Luna – Bonifacio Dr. City Proper, Iloilo, Philippines, 5000
If you wish to be close to all Iloilo’s offerings, Days Hotel Iloilo is a perfect choice as it is seated at the heart of the city. Sitting atop the leading shopping mall in the city, this hotel is near famous, important tourist attractions, such as Molo Cathedral, Jaro Cathedral, Atrium Mall, and more. What’s also great is that it is a few steps away from numerous dining outlets. For you to relax after a tiring day, you may head on over to the Wellness Club Spa. Days Hotel Iloilo is an ideal placE,
HOTEL DEL RIO

Location: M.H. Del Pilar St., Molo, Iloilo, Philippines 5000
As its name implies, this hotel is situated by the Iloilo River. Packed with all the modern amenities one expects from a good hotel, this property sports elegantly designed guestrooms. Its location is excellent as it is nearly lots of important places in the city, such as a pier, airport, business shopping districts, plus historic downtown. That’s not all the hotel has to offer to its guests. It also features a 24-hour front desk, poolside bar, safety deposit boxes, meeting facilities, and more.
DIVERSION 21 HOTEL

Location: Benigno Aquino Avenue Service Road, Mandurriao, Iloilo, Philippines, 5000
Offering impeccable service, Diversion 21 Hotel is a perfect jump off point from which to explore Iloilo’s best. This hotel is equipped with top-notch facilities and amenities to satisfy even the most discerning guest. Some of its guestrooms are fitted with a smoke detector, bathroom phone, complimentary instant coffee, closet, towels, and more. For an added relaxation, the property comes with karaoke and massage.
INJAP TOWER HOTEL

Location: West Diversion Road, Mandurriao, Iloilo, Philippines
This hotel, located in the heart of Mandurriao, offers convenient, comfy accommodations. Boasting 194 bedrooms, the hotel comes fitted with modern comforts one expects in a great hotel. To ensure guests can have a memorable stay in the hotel, the property comes with an array of recreational facilities, including an indoor pool, fitness center, pool (kids), and massage. Injap Tower Hotel is also a few kilometers away from must-see tourist attractions, making it an ideal spot from which todiscover Iloilo.
AMIGO TERRACE HOTEL

Location: Corner Iznart St., Delgado, City Proper, Iloilo, Philippines
Touting a serene ambiance, Amigo Terrace Hotel is seated in the middle of the vibrant city of Iloilo. Sporting 100 stylishly designed rooms, this property features a multitude of great facilities, such as The Amigo Mall, a business center, the grand ballroom, as well as the inviting outdoor pool. Indeed, this hotel helps you relax your tired limbs and soul.
MISS DINAGYANG 2019

CANDIDATES
- Claire Therese Porras of Iloilo City
- , Elaine Segura of Guimbal,
- Claudette Del Castillo of Passi City,
- Shane Pia of La Paz West
- Sueko Kinjho of Jaro West
- ,Beatrice Nicole Arabia of Mandurriao South
- Sharon Idone of Arevalo
- Maria Mikhaella Incensario of Miag-ao,
- Berylane Joy Barredo of Molo
- Maria Cielito Corazon Abendon of La Paz Central,
- Janeen Dale Geroso of Jaro North,
- Charlotte Mananquil of Zarraga,
- Vina Marie Peña of Oton,
- Angelic Olmedo of Leganes.
“With much expectation, Dinagyang 2019 will be more colorful, more joyful celebration in giving glory to Sto. Niño. The festival is something we can be proud of, not only in the city, but in the whole country,”
-Mayor Jose Espinosa III said.
WHEN AND WHERE
- The swimwear competition is set at Richmonde Hotel poolside on December 8 at 8 p.m.
- The Coronation Night will be on January 25 at Casa de Emperador in Megaworld Iloilo Business Park, Mandurriao district.
- Seven titles are at stake: the Miss Iloilo Dinagyang 2019 Carnival Queen, Miss Culture, Miss Industries, Miss Travel, Miss Environment, First Princess, and Second Princess.
- The pageant is a special event of the 51st Dinagyang Festival, whose highlights will be held on January 25-27, 2019.








The stairs at the front of the church lead to the shrine of Our Lady of Candles (Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria) and give you a better view of the bell tower. The Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria is the only female image among all the male images in the church.







