ILOILO CITY – Before sunrise broke over Iloilo City, pounding drums, ritual dances, and solemn prayers converged at the San Jose de Placer Parish on Tuesday, December 16, as the traditional “Pamukaw” ceremony formally launched the Dinagyang 2026 season, reaffirming the festival’s deep roots in faith and Ilonggo identity.
The dawn ritual, which literally means “awakening,” gathered devotees, cultural workers, and festival leaders in a symbolic call to both spiritual reflection and communal celebration in honor of Señor Sto. Niño, setting the tone for festivities that will culminate in January 2026.
Seven competing tribes — Tribu Bulawanon, Tribu Taga-Baryo, Tribu Pan-ay, Tribu Paghidaet, Tribu Ilahaynon, Tribu Salognon, and Tribu Ilonganon — took part in the ceremony, offering drumbeats and performances that echoed through the city as an early invitation for visitors and devotees to take part in Dinagyang.
Mayor Raisa Treñas, who led the ceremony, underscored that faith remains the anchor of the Ilonggo people amid challenges and victories.
“Our faith in Señor Sto. Niño is where our strength and hope come from; everything we offer — our culture, our talent, our history, and our unity — are gifts from God that we proudly share with the world as Ilonggos,” Treñas said.
She added that Dinagyang is not merely a cultural spectacle but a collective expression of devotion and identity.
Also present at the ceremony were Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI) chair Rito Carlos “Judgee” Peña, IFFI president Angel de Leon Jr., and San Jose de Placer Parish priest Rev. Fr. Nelson G. Zerda, OSA.
Dinagyang 2026 carries the theme “Bugay sang Ginoo, Bugal sang Ilonggo” (God’s Gift, Ilonggo Pride), highlighting the festival’s dual focus on religious devotion and cultural pride as preparations intensify in the weeks leading to the January highlights.
Dinagyang Festival started in 1967. A replica of the Sto. Niño de Cebu was brought from Cebu to the San Jose de Placer Church here by Father Sulpicio Enderes along with a delegation of the Cofradia del Señor Santo Niño de Cebu.
The Ilonggos enthusiastically received the image. They danced on the streets of Iloilo City.
Through the years, the street celebration improved and Dinagyang became known for its participants’ impressive choreography and striking costumes that reflect the ingenuity, craftsmanship and artistry of the Ilonggos.
Dinagyang is the Hiligaynon word for revelry or merrymaking./PN
