ILOILO City – Organizers of the Dinagyang Festival 2026 have expanded the celebration’s performance route by opening a new judging and performance area in La Paz district, a move aimed at giving more Ilonggos front-row access to the tribes’ full street performances.
The Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI) announced that the additional performance area will be set up at the corner of Luna and Huervana streets in La Paz, near Gaisano City mall, citing persistent calls from the public for more viewing spaces and additional seating.
“We heard you. Due to the high demand from the public to see the full performances of the tribes on the street and the need for more seats, we are opening an additional performance area in La Paz,” IFFI said in a statement.
The decision was reached after consultations with participating tribes and in coordination with Mayor Raisa Treñas and concerned safety, security, and traffic committees to ensure orderly implementation.
IFFI stressed that the expansion is part of efforts to manage crowd density while preserving public safety, with plans in place to regulate traffic flow, crowd movement, and security in the new area.
“This move reflects the commitment of the City of Iloilo to make Dinagyang more inclusive and more accessible — para mas madamo pa ang maka-experience sang Bugay sang Gino-o kag Bugal sang mga Ilonggo,” the Dinagyang Festival page said.
Organizers added that the additional venue will also provide performers — particularly the youth — with a broader platform to showcase their talents, which they described as gifts entrusted to them by God.
IFFI said details on ticket availability and official purchase outlets for the La Paz performance area will be released soon, assuring the public that preparations for Dinagyang 2026 are geared toward a bigger, safer, and more inclusive celebration./PN
