Dinagyang festival emanates from faith
Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc. (IDFI) president Ricardo Andrada yesterday reminded the Ilonggos on the real essence and meaning of Dinagyang festival. The festival became both cultural and spiritual activity.
Andrada stressed “the festival emerged because of Ilonggo’s faith” to Señor Sto. Niño. It is anchored in “faith.” The commercialism that goes with the festival should not overshadow the religiosity aspect of the festival. It is going to be a culture of celebration and best life in Iloilo City.
Andrada’s point of view on the religious aspect of the festival was triggered yesterday by the number of devotees who fetched the pilgrim image of Señor Sto. Niño de Cebu at the Iloilo Port.
The pilgrim image arrived yesterday morning in which a procession was held from the port until the San Jose Parish Church. A mass was then celebrated after the procession.
Every year, the pilgrim image of Señor Sto.Niño de Cebu is brought to Iloilo City. The same pilgrim image would be taken into the fluvial procession on Friday afternoon.
The presence of kiosks along the streets and the trading of goods is a clear indication that commercialism emerged during the festival, said Andrada.
The religious activities honoring the Child Jesus is the Ilonggos’ way of celebrating the feast apart from Kasadyahan and ati competition during the Dinagyang festival. The festival started as a devotion to Señor Sto. Niño before it evolved into a cultural activity.
The religious activities in-line with the festival started with a penitential walk of devotees. They offered their deeds to the Child Jesus for successful, peaceful and meaningful celebration.
Devotees likewise offered prayer petitions asking for miracles during the nine-day novena masses at the San Jose Parish Church. The novena masses started last Jan. 13 and ends today.
The fluvial procession set on afternoon of Jan. 22 is another way of showing affection to Señor Sto. Niño. Devotees carrying assorted images of the Child Jesus will ride on motorized bancas from Fort San Pedro Drive Inn until the Customs House.
