Dinagyang’s Baile Latino de Iloilo
As a fitting finale to the Mardi Gras Parade, a Grand Mardi Gras Ball known as “Baile Latino de Iloilo” will be held at the Freedom Grandstand on January 23, 2010, from 4:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. The Mardi Gras Ball is a costumed party featuring an all-night ballroom dancing in front of the Freedom Grandstand. A live band will play samba, reggae, latin and salsa. Only costumed dancers, however, can join.
The Mardi Gras Parade will start at 2:00 P.M. on January 23 at Judging Area Number 4, in front of the Central Market. Participating groups will assemble at Rizal Street, in front of the University of Iloilo. A brief opening ceremony will be held to kick off the parade. The parade will traverse Iznart Street, Ledesma Street, Judging Area No. 3, Quezon Street, Gen. Luna Street, Judging Area No. 2, Iznart Street, J.M. Basa Street and finally, Freedom Grandstand. All motorized vehicles, however, will be required to exit at Guanco Street leading to Muelle Loeney.
The Mardi Gras Parade is a lively and exciting street parade with rhythmic dances performed by costumed dancers, accompanied by musical bands and colorful floats. It is an organic event of the Dinagyang Festival.
The following groups will participate in the parade: business corporations and companies, local government units (including barangays), tertiary schools, civic clubs and associations, civil society organizations and fraternities and sororities. Major dinagyang sponsors are one again expected to show off their beautiful floats and muses.
Awards await the best participating groups. Awards include Best Float, Best Music, Best Costume, Best Street Dance and Crowds Favorite. A grand winner and three runners-up will also be given trophies during the awarding ceremonies in the evening of January 24 at the Freedom Grandstand.
