About Dinagyang Festival
The Dinagyang Festival is Iloilo City's grand religious and cultural celebration in honour of the Santo Niño, the Child Jesus. It traces to 1967–68, when a replica of the revered Santo Niño image was brought from Cebu to Iloilo and local devotion grew into a full festival. The name comes from the Hiligaynon word "dagyang", meaning merrymaking or revelry — a fitting label for one of the most energetic fiestas in the country.
Dinagyang is famous for its Ati Tribe Competition, in which "tribus" of dancers in striking warrior costumes and body paint perform jaw-dropping, tightly choreographed routines to the thunder of massed drums and bugles. The performances are staged at multiple judging areas across the city, drawing huge crowds, while food fairs, parades and religious processions fill the surrounding days. It is widely regarded as one of the best-organised festivals in the Philippines.
Dinagyang falls on the fourth Sunday of January each year, the weekend after Sinulog and Ati-Atihan, so the exact date moves while the season holds steady — and the countdown above always points to the next celebration. Whether you are heading to Iloilo or following from afar, add Dinagyang to your own countdown page and count down to the drums.
Upcoming dates
| 2027 | Sunday, January 24, 2027next |
| 2028 | Sunday, January 23, 2028 |
| 2029 | Sunday, January 28, 2029 |
| 2030 | Sunday, January 27, 2030 |
| 2031 | Sunday, January 26, 2031 |
FAQ
When is Dinagyang Festival?
Dinagyang is held on the fourth Sunday of January in Iloilo City, Philippines. The countdown above shows the days, hours and minutes until the next one.
Why is Dinagyang celebrated?
It honours the Santo Niño (the Child Jesus) and dates to the late 1960s, when a replica of the image was brought from Cebu to Iloilo and local devotion blossomed into a festival.
How is Dinagyang celebrated?
With the famous Ati Tribe Competition — costumed warrior tribes dancing to massed drums and bugles at judging areas across the city — plus parades, food fairs and religious processions.
What does the word Dinagyang mean?
It comes from the Hiligaynon word "dagyang", meaning merrymaking or revelry.