By Emme Rose Santiagudo
From sumptuous food, colorful designs, festive crowds, and blinding lights, the historic streets of City Proper district have come alive during the highlights of the Dinagyang celebration on January 25-26, 2019.
The first-ever “Dagyang sa Calle Real” which was participated by nine barangay tribes on Saturday morning drew thousands of local and foreign tourists who danced to the beat of the drums.
It was followed by the “Sponsors Mardi Gras” where sponsors of the festival paraded while doing the “sadsad” in the city streets.
In the evening, the historic streets of Calle Real were illuminated with colorful lights in the first-ever “Ilomination”.
During the Ilomination, Dinagyang spectators marveled at the lighting show of the Calle Real and performances of national bands.
Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat graced the event.
According to the City Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO), around 5,000 people attended the Ilomination.
It was followed by the Religious Sadsad at Plaza Libertad where around 1,000 Ilonggos showed their deep devotion to Señor Sto. Niño.
On Sunday, the City Proper district was jam-packed with Dinagyang spectators who witnessed the leveled-up performances of nine competing tribes in their “sadsad” and “pasundayag” of Dinagyang 360.
The city streets were also filled with tattoo artists, face painters, musicians, and ambulant vendors selling all kinds of Dinagyang freebies.
Meanwhile, a group of tattoo artists from Molo spread positivity in their unique and feel-good “placards”.
“Damo naman galapta plastic sa dalan iban basura pero mas laban imo kilala,” one of the placards stated.
29-year-old tattoo artist Poyz Lladoc said they hoped to bring good vibes to the Dinagyang spectators with their feel-good slogans.
