By Rjay Zuriaga Castor and Mariela Angella Oladive
Heavy drum beats, loud cheers, and glimpses of more grandiose performances from the tribes filled the streets once again for the traditional “Pamukaw’” activities of Iloilo’s world-renowned Dinagyang Festival.
The Pamukaw (wakeup call) on Saturday, December 16, marked the kickoff of the much-anticipated festival.
“Our aim is not only to kickstart the celebration but also to rejuvenate the spirit of unity and cooperation among the Ilonggos, aspiring for utmost success in all our festivities,” said Special Assistant to the City Mayor Jay Treñas
The Pamukaw sa Dinagyang 2024 included a foot parade that started at the San Jose Parish Placer near Plaza Libertad, traversing the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand, Calle Real on JM Basa Street, Marymart Mall on Iznart Street, and ended at the Arroyo Fountain.
“This moment also provides an opportunity to express gratitude to Senor Sto. Niño for the blessings of protection and resilience, especially during the times of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Treñas added.
The Dinagyang Festival 2024 theme is “Pagdayaw kay Señor Santo Niño, Padayaw sang mga Ilonggo.”
The Pamukaw activities featured glimpses of performances from the tribes competing in the “ILOmination Streetdance Competition” and Dinagyang Tribes Competition.
The tribes competing in the Dinagyang Tribes Competition include Tribu Ilonganon, Tribu Mandu-riyaw, Tribu Paghidaet, Tribu Pan-ay, Tribu Salognon, Tribu Sigabong, Tribu Silak, and Tribu Taga-Baryo.
The ILOmination will feature seven tribes representing each district of the city, such as Tribu Arevalo (Kahirup), Tribu City Proper (Ilonggohanon), Tribu Jaro (Buntag-tala), Tribu La Paz (Sagasa), Tribu La Puz (Sidlangan), Tribu Mandurriao, and Tribu Molo (IAFA).
According to the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI), the ILOmination will now be a parade-type street dance competition, unlike last year when performances were confined to specific areas.
The ILOmination Streetdance Competition and Floats Parade of Lights are scheduled for January 26, 2024, while the Dinagyang Tribes Competition is on January 28.
Also Present at the Pamukaw were key figures including IFFI Chairman Rito Carlos Peña, San Rafael Mayor Don Roberto Belleza Jr., and Rev. Fr. Renchie Vicente Senoro, OSA, parish priest of San Jose Parish Placer.
As the excitement builds and the celebration approaches, tickets for Dinagyang 2024 will be on sale starting on December 22, 2023. Tickets can be obtained from the following hotels:
Hotel Del Rio:
– Phone: (033) 335-1171 (up to 74)
– Globe: 0917 654 8881
– Smart: 0998 956 8500
GT Hotel Iloilo:
– Smart: 0998 967 7609
– Globe: 0917 654 8885
Richmonde Hotel Iloilo:
– Phone: (+63) 33 328 7888
– Email: stay@richmondeiloilo.com
Days Hotel by Wyndham Iloilo:
– Contact: 09177003297
Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of the vibrant Dinagyang 2024 celebration! Contact the hotels directly to secure your tickets and prepare for an unforgettable experience.
