ILOILO City – Competition in the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan of the 2027 Dinagyang Festival is set to intensify as 12 municipalities gear up for the cultural showdown on January 23.
This is a 50-percent increase in participation from the eight competing festivals in the 2026 edition of Kasadyahan.
The expanded lineup promises a more competitive showcase of Iloilo’s cultural heritage, traditions and local attractions as part of the annual Dinagyang Festival celebration.
The 12 competing contingents are:
* Banaag: Halad kay Sta. Rita of Anilao
* Pandayan Festival of Badiangan
* Kasag Festival of Banate
* Patubas Festival of Barotac Viejo
* Pagnahi-an Festival of Bingawan
* Anihan Festival of Dueñas
* Panagat Festival of Estancia
* Saad Festival of Leganes
* Maragtas Festival of Mina
* Bayluhay Festival of San Joaquin
* Tawili Festival of San Rafael
* Kahilwayan Festival of Santa Barbara
Notably absent is the Tultugan Festival of Maasin, which secured grand slam champion status in 2026.
The competing contingents will highlight Iloilo’s “Fun, Foodie, Friendly” tourism identity through performances at five judging areas: Iloilo Freedom Grandstand, Iloilo Provincial Capitol, Quezon-Ledesma Streets, Mabini-De Leon Streets, and Iznart Street.
To support preparations, the Iloilo Provincial Government under Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. is expected to extend financial assistance to the participating municipalities, although subsidy amounts have yet to be announced.
In the previous competition, the provincial government allocated P2 million each to competing contingents from second-class and lower-class municipalities, while first-class municipalities received P1.5 million each.
The 2026 edition featured eight festivals: Jimanban of New Lucena, Tawili of San Rafael, Salakayan of Miag-ao, Pagnahi-an of Bingawan, Tultugan of Maasin, Kasag of Banate, Kahilwayan of Santa Barbara, and Banaag of Anilao.
Last year’s prize structure offered P1.2 million to the champion, P700,000 to the first runner-up, and P500,000 to the second runner-up. Non-winning contingents received P200,000 each in consolation prizes.
Organizers have yet to announce whether the same cash incentives will be maintained for the 2027 competition.
The increase in participation is expected to heighten competition among Iloilo’s municipalities while providing a broader platform to promote their distinct cultural identities and tourism offerings./PN
