ILOILO City – Due to insistent public demand, the city government is reinstating traditional banderitas for the Dinagyang Festival but will keep major performance routes clear of hanging decorations, prioritizing performer safety and unobstructed movement as tribes debut larger, taller props this year.
This decision aims to prevent accidents and damage, said Joy Gorzal, spokesperson of Mayor Raisa Treñas.
Banderitas are colorful, festive paper or plastic buntings, essentially small flags most commonly cut into triangular or rectangular shapes, strung across streets and venues to create a vibrant, celebratory atmosphere for celebrations or major events such as fiestas, symbolizing joy, community spirit, and the festive transformation of ordinary spaces.
On Wednesday, it was announced that the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. – the organizer of Dinagyang 2026 – would be doing away with Dinagyang banderitas because these just become additional garbage.
The public backlash was immediate, thus the city government’s backpedalling.
“The main streets that will be used (by the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan and Ati tribes) will not have banderitas,” Gorzal said, “(because) there is no longer a limit on the height and size of props. We want to avoid props getting caught or damaged during performances.”
She added that the newly cleared Calle Real was also considered after the undergrounding of power and telecommunications lines.
“There are no longer posts or wires where banderitas can be tied, and we also want to preserve the clean and uncluttered look of Calle Real,” Gorzal explained.
The banderitas tradition dates back to the Spanish colonial era and has evolved into a deeply ingrained custom used for religious, historical, and even non-religious community gatherings. They have become representations of joy, community togetherness, and the Filipino spirit of warmth and hospitality. For many, the sight of banderitas overhead is the primary visual cue that a place is celebrating its feast day or some significant event.
Despite sparing key routes, the city government assured festivalgoers that the celebratory look will remain across other areas. Gorzal said banderitas will be installed in downtown streets and venues hosting Dinagyang-related activities, including the food festival.
The adjustments reflect lessons from previous festivals and are part of ongoing improvements in crowd management, aesthetics, and the overall festival experience for performers and spectators of the Dinagyang Festival 2026.
Environment watchdog EcoWcaste Coalition has long urged local governments across the country to rethink the use of banderitas due to the massive amount of non-biodegradable waste generated after the festivities./PN
