Religiosity still on top of revelry in Dinagyang festival
In spite of the popularity and the prestige reached by the Dinagyang Festival having been chosen the Best Tourism Event in the country for three straight years, still its religiosity is not at all forgotten since its evolution through the years.
The festival was born out of the Ilonggos’ fervent devotion to Senior Sto. Niño. Its meaning and significance to people’s spiritual lives are still relevant, said Mayor Jerry Treñas.
The festival which is a display of sights and sounds has given much honor to Iloilo. “Dinagyang is Iloilo and Iloilo is Dinagyang. No one owns the festival,” said Treñas.
The yearly event celebrated in honor of the Child Jesus reached its pedestal after the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) placed it in the Hall of Fame. “Dinagyang will still be voted as the best tourism event if included in the selection,” he added.
In the past years, the religiosity of the festival and commercialism sparked debates between the organizer and the Church. “The San Jose Parish Church and the city government are now partners,” said Jun Rivera, chair of religious committee of the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc. (IDFI).
Rivera supported the view of Treñas regarding the real meaning and purpose of the festival. Religious activities are highlighted in the weeklong celebration. Devotees are given the opportunity to pray, worship and adore the Child Jesus through novena masses and fluvial procession.
The thundering of drums and frenetic dances could not replace the pious devotion of Ilonggos. Starting with a penitential walk, devotees offered their deeds to the Child Jesus for successful, peaceful but meaningful celebration. Devotees likewise offered prayer petitions for their own purposes, said Rivera.
The nine-day novena masses were held at the San Jose Parish Church from Jan.13 until Jan. 21. The fluvial procession set on afternoon of Jan. 22 is another way of showing affection to Senior Sto. Niño. Devotees carrying assorted images of the Child Jesus will ride in motorized bancas from Fort San Pedro Drive Inn until the Customs House.
Rivera however warned devotees that little children are prohibited from riding on the motorized bancas. Instead, he encourages parents to let their children join in the solemn procession from the Customs House towards San Jose Parish Church after the fluvial procession.
Today’s, Tambor Trumpa Martsa Musika and Salvo of a Thousand drums is another activity to watch. Iloilo City will attempt again to set a record to the Guinness Book of World Records through the “Salvo of a Thousand Drums.”
The 2010 Dinagyang festival would be capped by the Kasadyahan contest and Ati contest on Jan. 23 and Jan. 24, respectively. This year’s Kasadyahan competition would be a “festival of festivals.”
Nine festivals in the province of Iloilo will compete in the much coveted title in the Kasadyahan contest. The participants are given the free hand to depict any event unlike in previous celebrations where participants were given a common theme.
The nine competing festivals are the Tribu Tinuom of Cabatuan, Tribu Tangyan (Igbaras), Tribu Patubas (Barotac Viejo), Tribu Kasag (Banate), Tribu Pantat (Zarraga), Tribu Jimanban (New Lucena), Tribu Tubongtubong (Tubungan), Tribu Mandurriaonon (Mandurriao National High School) and Tribu Tambobo of Northern Iloilo Polytechnic State College in Ajuy.
The organizer aims to carve an identity for the Kasadyahan apart from the Ati competition. Cash prizes are at stake for the winners.
The Ati contest which is the most anticipated and biggest event of the festival will revolve on the 16 competing tribes. The competing tribes are Himal-us, Silak, Ilonganon, Tribu Aninipay, Paghidaet, Molave, Panagat, Pag-Asa, Angola, Bantu, Atub-Atub, Panaad, Pan-ay, Bola-Bola, Salognon and Milagrosa.
In the 2009 Ati competition, Tribu Paghidaet was declared champion. The Tribu Bola-Bola got the 1st place; Tribu Ilonganon landed third and Tribu Silak 3rd place. The Tribu Himal-us of the province of Guimaras was last year’s fourth runner-up.
Tribu Paghidaet also got five of the seven special awards in last year’s competition. They are Best in Music, Best in Performance, Best in Headdress, Best in Choreography and Best in Costume. While, Tribu Atub-atub got the Best in Discipline award and Tribu Bola-Bola as Best in Street dance.
The growing popularity of Dinagyang has attracted both foreign and local tourists. Foreign dignitaries from different parts of the globe are charmed by the festival. National candidates consider the event as opportune venue to seek support of Ilonggo voters.
The safety and security of revelers and spectators are the concerns taken cared by the police. Close to 4,000 policemen and force multipliers are deployed in the four judging areas and sites where fun and celebration is to be held.
