ILOILO City – This southern metropolis will turn into a sea of light and movement tonight as Dinagyang Festival’s ILOmination competition takes over the city. Spectators for this annual celebration’s biggest nighttime spectacle will be seeing the parade route transformed into a moving canvas of lights, music, and choreography.
Set to start at 5 p.m. this Friday, January 23, the illuminated parade will roll out from the Atria on the long stretch of the bustling Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue, pass through SM City Iloilo, and culminate at the Iloilo Business Park.
Five competing light festival groups from across the country will take part in this year’s ILOmination. These are the following:
* Pandangg Gitab Festival of Oriental Mindoro
* Banaag Festival of Anilao, Iloilo
* Dinagyang ILOmination contingent of Iloilo City
* Pavvurulun Afi Festival of Tuguegarao City; and
* Zamboanga Hermosa Festival of Zamboanga City
According to Dinagyang organizer Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI), ILOmination continues to evolve as a platform for creative expression, blending modern lighting technology with deeply rooted cultural narratives.
The nighttime showcase highlights regional diversity while reinforcing Iloilo City’s reputation as an innovative festival host that balances tradition with contemporary spectacle.
Adding a distinct cultural dimension to the evening is a special Lion and Dragon Dance performance by the Iloilo Cultural Federation, Inc., symbolizing prosperity, good fortune, and harmony as the city also ushers in the Chinese New Year.
With glowing colors, pulsating rhythms, and intricate designs, Dinagyang 2026’s ILOmination is expected to draw large crowds, once again underscoring why Dinagyang remains among the country’s most dynamic and anticipated cultural celebrations.
The following Saturday night, foodies at the Iloilo Food Festival downtown will get an added treat as participating tribes of the ILOmination contest stage a special performance.
“We want everyone enjoying our local cuisine to also experience the color, movement, and excitement of ILOmination,” Treñas said, adding that the activity highlights how Dinagyang continues to innovate while remaining inclusive and accessible to the public.
The special performance will be staged on a 360-degree setup on Valeria-Delgado Streets, City Proper, with the platform positioned at the center and surrounded by food kiosks and activity areas, allowing spectators to view the show from all angles.
Treñas said the interactive layout is meant to enhance the overall festival experience, blending food, culture, and performance into one immersive event.
“We want people to feel the festival, to be part of it — whether they come for the food, the lights, or the performances,” she said./PN