ILOILO City — Motorists and commuters in this city better brace for major traffic disruptions as authorities impose extensive road closures and rerouting schemes for the back-to-back opening salvos of the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan and competing Ati tribes of the Dinagyang Festival 2026, with dozens of primary streets set to be closed for two consecutive afternoons beginning January 10, festival organizers announced.
The opening salvo of Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan is scheduled on January 10 (Saturday), followed by the Dinagyang Festival 2026 opening salvo on January 11 (Sunday), with both events running from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and performances staged at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand (City Proper) and the Iloilo Sports Complex (La Paz).
Festival organizers said contingents from various Iloilo municipalities will headline Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan, while seven Dinagyang tribes will take center stage during the city’s opening salvo the following day.
Authorities said both parades will follow the same route starting from the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand, passing through major thoroughfares in the City Proper, and ending at the Iloilo Sports Complex, prompting the temporary closure of key sections of Muelle Loney, JM Basa Street, Peralta Street, Ortiz Street, Bonifacio Drive, General Luna Street, and other roads in the City Proper, La Paz, and even Jaro districts.
To ease congestion, one-way traffic schemes will be enforced in selected streets, trucks and trailers will be barred from major connecting routes, and public utility vehicles will follow designated rerouting plans, while traffic closures will take effect as early as 11 a.m. on both days.
Festival officials said the traffic measures are part of the thrust “Dinagyang Para sa Tanan,” aimed at ensuring public safety and a smoother, more inclusive opening of Dinagyang 2026./PN
