For the first time, the usual drumbeats, massive crowd, and the colorful Dinagyang warriors are no-show in the streets of Iloilo City on the day of the celebration of Dinagyang Festival on Sunday, January 24, 2021.
The once-busy streets of Downtown area in City Proper filled with Dinagyang spectators remained empty and silent.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, organizers of the 53rd Dinagyang Festival took on a new challenge of transforming the world-class festival into an online visual spectacle while maintaining its legacy as one of the best tourism events in the country.
This year, the Dinagyang celebration focused on its theme, “One Dinagyang – One Iloilo – Halad Kay Señor Sto. Niño” to highlight the Ilonggo’s devotion to Señor Sto Niño amid the pandemic that drastically affected the whole world.
From the usual judging areas in the streets of Iloilo City, Dinagyang warriors performed in the seven districts of Iloilo City highlighting the sceneries, landmarks, and the tourist spots in the metro while still giving a world-class performance.
For the Ilonggos, Digital Dinagyang 2021 although less grand managed to showcase a “heartwarming” and “inspiring” spectacle in the digital world while reflecting the strong faith and devotion of Ilonggos amid the pandemic.
“Tahum sang editing and concepts. This is how digital era works. Congratulations to the organizers Atty. Jobert Peñaflorida and your team and Mayor Jerry Treñas,” Ilonggo netizen, Bellezki Magno shared.
Meanwhile, other Ilonggo netizens felt emotional while watching the online Dinagyang spectacle.
“Thank you for inspiring your fellow Ilonggos mayor. Gatulo man luha namon maglantaw sang digital performances. The essence and warmth of the festival is still vibing us,” Facebook user, Crys Tal said.
“Congrats Mayor Jerry and the Ilonggo artists and warriors! Truly, the pandemic has made this celebration more meaningful, more faithful, and more creative. We had fun and hope while watching from home. The devotion and passion and strength of Ilonggos at this time of the pandemic is worth every badge of a warrior,” another netizen, Aivon Guanco said.
Digital Dinagyang 2021 also expanded the reach of the world-class festival as its online presence captured Dinagyang spectators from all around the world.
“For the last two years, I haven’t been here in Iloilo because I was working abroad. This could be my first time again to watch Dinagyang but sadly this year is a lot more different but I am still thankful I could still watch this wonderful festival through our television,” Ilonggo netizen Jannel Montero shared.
Another Ilonggo netizen, Asher Eleptico said the digital Dinagyang also showcased the creativity and resourcefulness of Ilonggos despite the pandemic.
“This is how talented, resourceful, and cunning Ilonggos are. I can really vouch on the capabilities of every Ilonggo. Bato Iloilo, kaya ta ni! I am really proud to be an Ilonggo,” he said.
Raking in with over 140,000 views in the Iloilo Dinagyang Facebook page, the 53rd Dinagyang Festival capped off on Sunday evening with the awarding of special awards for the seven participating tribes. (ERS)
