By Mariela Angella Oladive
The Dinagyang Festival 2025 will launch its grand opening salvo with two main events, Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan and the Dinagyang Ati Tribe Competition, set for January 9 and 10, respectively, at 2 p.m. at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand.
The Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan on January 9 will feature nine cultural contingents from various Iloilo towns, each showcasing performances that celebrate their rich heritage and traditions.
On January 10, eight Ati tribes will offer a preview of the grand competition as they compete for the festival’s prestigious title.
Adding glamour to the festivities, ten Ilongga candidates for Miss Iloilo 2025 will also grace the event.
Traffic Rerouting and Road Closures
To ensure smooth proceedings, authorities have announced traffic rerouting and road closures during the opening salvo.
Parade Route:
The parade will start at the Iloilo Dinagyang Grandstand (Muelle Loney), turn left onto Peralta Street, continue to JM Basa Street, then Fermin Caram Street, and conclude at Casa Plaza near the Iloilo Provincial Capitol.
Road Closures:
The following streets will be closed during the events:
- City Proper Area:
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- General Luna (Muelle Loney to Arroyo Fountain)
- Montinola Street (Muelle Loney to Fermin Caram Street)
- Solis Street (Muelle Loney to Valeria Street)
- Yulo Street (Muelle Loney to Valeria Street)
- Arroyo Street (Muelle Loney to JM Basa Street)
- Arsenal Street (Muelle Loney to JM Basa Street)
- Aldeguer Street (Muelle Loney to Iznart Street)
- Guanco Street (Muelle Loney to Rizal Street)
- Mapa Street (Rizal Street to JM Basa Street)
- Ortiz Street (JM Basa Street to Muelle Loney Street)
- Melliza Street (De La Rama Street to Muelle Loney Street)
- Calasan Street (Zamora Street to Ortiz Street)
- Blumentritt Street (Muelle Loney to the Grandstand)
- General Luna Street/Quezon (No entry for public utility vehicles)
- Delgado Street/Valeria Street (Delgado Street to Fermin Caram Street)
- Muelle Loney Street/Hervas Street (Hervas Street to the Grandstand)
- Dela Rama Street/Hervas Street (Hervas Street to Calasan Street)
- Zamora Street/Calasan Street (Zamora Street to Ortiz Street)
- La Paz Area:
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- Quirino Bridge (Rizal Street to Muelle Loney Street)
- Dr. Rex Drilon Bridge (Rizal Street to Muelle Loney Street)
Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) Affected:
PUVs and jeepneys servicing Ungka, Tagbak, La Paz, Bo. Obrero, and other areas will follow designated alternate routes, passing through Rizal Street, La Paz, and Libertad. Return trips will also follow rerouted paths.
PUVs from Villa, Mohon, SM City Proper, and Baluarte will pass General Luna Street, Quezon Street, and Rizal/Maria Clara or Ledesma Street.
Private vehicles may access the City Proper except on streets closed for the parade. Motorists are advised to plan their trips and use alternate routes to avoid congestion.
Truck and Trailer Restrictions:
All trucks and trailers are prohibited from entering or leaving the City Proper during the opening salvo.
Road closures begin at 12 p.m. Motorists are encouraged to adjust their schedules to minimize inconvenience.
