Colorful Dinagyang Festival kicks off in Iloilo
Tribu Tatusan of Caluya town in Antique defends its crown in the Kasadyahan regional cultural competition in Iloilo’s Dinagyang Festival. Photo by Nestor P. Burgos Jr./INQUIRER VISAYAS
ILOILO CITY—Figures of crabs, catfish, corn and mangoes as tall as persons danced on the main streets of this city on Saturday, entertaining spectators in this year’s celebration of the Dinagyang Festival.
The figures in bright colors were part of the props of 10 competing groups in the Kasadyahan regional cultural festival.
The performances showcased provincial and municipal festivals as well as their culture and way of life.
Negros Occidental was represented by the Masskara Festival of Bacolod City and Pinta Flores Festival of San Carlos City.
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The groups from Iloilo included Tribu Pantat (Zarraga), Tribu Bantayan (Guimbal), Tribu Kasag (Banate) and Tribu Salakayan (Miag-ao).
Tribu Padagyaw of Dumarao and Tribu Patabang of Tapaz performed for Capiz along with Tribu Tatusan of Caluya, Antique and Hubon Igbantog sa Karosa of Nueva Valencia on Guimaras Island.
Tribu Tatusan, named after “tatus,” a blue-striped crab, defended its crown.
Its performers depicted giant crabs while those of Guimaras featured large mangoes, the province’s main attraction.
Tribu Pantat of Zarraga, Iloilo featured 10-foot tall catfish, a main product of the town.
The groups performed in five carousel-type judging areas situated along the main streets of the city.
Winners which will be announced on Sunday evening will received trophies and a total of P730,000 in cash prizes.
On Sunday, 10 tribes will compete in the Ati tribe contest, the festival highlight. The winners will also receive trophies along with P995,000 in cash prizes.
Junel Ann Divinagracia, city tourism officer, said the more than 30 hotels and inns in the city with about 5,000 rooms were fully booked.
About a million spectators and guests were expected join the weeklong festival, she said. CDG
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