FIESTAS for the Sto. Niño, or the Child Jesus, are celebrated every January across the Philippines.
They are deeply rooted in Filipino faith, tracing their origins to the early history of Christianity in the country.
From religious devotion and historical heritage to cultural tradition — and now even digital adaptation — celebrations for the Sto. Niño continue to evolve in every place that honors Him.
Cadiz City in northern Negros Occidental is one such place, and it celebrates through the much-talked-about Dinagsa Festival.
“Dinagsa,” literally, is the Hiligaynon version of the English term “to flock.”
Cadiz’s 52nd Dinagsa Festival, held from January 16 to 26, was indeed notable — aptly summed up by the phrase: color is all.
COMPLETE PACKAGE
The “riot of colors” that filled Cadiz’s streets from the opening day until the festival’s finale underscored how this first-class component city in Negros Occidental vibrantly celebrates its religious tradition — one that seamlessly complements its culture, arts, history, heritage, and local economy.
The 52nd Dinagsa was, therefore, a complete package, reflecting how Cadiz — known as the “oga capital” of Negros Occidental — has steadily transformed into a hub of progress and development in the province’s northern part.
Beyond what meets the eye, the interplay of hues across Cadiz’s streets through various Dinagsa events conveyed deeper meaning and impact, reinforcing the city’s stature beyond its first-class classification.
“At Dinagsa, color is all” may be viewed through multiple lenses—economic growth, livelihood opportunities, environmental protection and conservation, accessible health programs, an art revolution, and more.
BEYOND THE ROAR
Yes, Dinagsa’s highlight is the traditional Ati street dance competition.
Like Iloilo City’s Dinagyang Festival and Kalibo’s Ati-Atihan, Cadiz’s Ati warriors roared to the fullest—not merely as a choreographic requirement.
Their roar carried deeper intensity, amplifying their call for recognition of the Ata tribe, which continues to exist in Sitio Manara, Barangay Celestino Villacin.
This quest for recognition encompasses respect for the Ata people’s community traditions, culture, heritage, and history.
On this matter, the Cadiz City government has consistently shown utmost consideration and support for the Atas.
ENVI-CARE
Cadiz’s Ati street dance also served as a potent platform to amplify the city’s advocacy for environmental protection — especially after the giant clam village (GC Ville) in the Lakawon area of Barangay Cadiz Viejo was attacked by unknown intruders last Christmas Day, resulting in the killing of 33 giant clams.
Mayor Salvador “Bading” Escalante expressed deep sadness over the incident.
He is widely known for his passion for giant clams, which are classified as critically endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network.
The 52nd Dinagsa also doubled as Cadiz’s thanksgiving celebration after the Avila Mangrove Reserve and Migratory Bird Sanctuary (ARMBS) placed first runner-up in the Best Mangrove Award during the 10th Para El Mar (For the Sea) Awards last year.
SOARING ECONOMY
Cadiz’s “Lamhitanay sa Dalan” (smearing or smudging on the streets), often dubbed a colorful street chaos, is a classic manifestation of the city’s spirit of friendship and unity — values that have helped fuel its fast-growing economy.
The city’s agriculture and fisheries boom is undeniable.
Its coffee venture is gradually making waves in international business communities, while its famed oga (dried fish) has already carved a strong trademark in both national and global markets.
Hosting the 132.5-megawatt Helios Solar Power Plant—the largest solar farm in Southeast Asia to date — has further positioned Cadiz as a magnet for unprecedented investments, much to the amazement of Cadiznons.
QUEST FOR INCLUSIVITY
Dinagsa also features one of its most heartwarming events, showcasing the city’s genuine commitment to inclusivity — the Paralympiada.
For 28 years now, Paralympiada has added its own colors to Cadiz, fostering growth, learning, joy, attention, and genuine care for children with special needs.
The innocence of children is a powerful force that radiates hope throughout the Cadiz community.
For Mayor Bading, these “special kids” are the true reflection of the Sto. Niño de Cadiz — the city’s “great provider and guardian” amid life’s challenges.
For the young participants, Paralympiada often becomes what they consider the “most beautiful and colorful” day of their lives.
‘GREATEST ASSET’
The play of colors during the fluvial parade for the Sto. Niño de Cadiz and the Sa-ot Cadiznon also highlighted what many consider the city’s greatest asset — its mayor.
Why?
Mayor Bading is widely known as friendly and down-to-earth, not only within the political arena but even beyond it.
His approachable character reflects his effective and efficient stewardship, which has propelled Cadiz to what many now describe as its “best” or most “iridescent” state — beyond dispute.
But this achievement was no easy feat; it took him more than two decades of leadership—a journey truly worth telling.
IMPACT, INFLUENCE, DOMINANCE
In sum, Dinagsa’s colors play a vital role in introducing Cadiz to the world — they stimulate minds, influence emotions, and project strength and dominance.
After all, colors are not merely physical properties of objects; they are mental constructs shaped by the human mind.
This was evident in the 1st Visayas–Mindanao Wide Painting Competition, also part of this year’s Dinagsa.
The 280 artisan-participants invested in the power of color to make their subjects stand out in the eyes of viewers.
Ultimately, this year’s Dinagsa offered a “colorful and beautiful perception” to more than 300,000 revelers — and to millions more who followed the festivities on social media— that Cadiz is no longer just an “oga capital,” but a land of splendid opportunities.
That is how colors work for Cadiz.
What some may dismiss as mere street play or a simple riot of colors carries, in a broader perspective, a powerful message of positivity beyond imagination.
In a nutshell:
Cadiz + Dinagsa + Mayor Bading = colorful success!/PN
