By Mariela Angella Oladive
The Paraw Regatta Festival will take center stage at the prestigious Aliwan Fiesta in 2026, replacing the Dinagyang Festival as Iloilo City’s official representative.
Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI) Chairman Judgee Peña announced the shift during a press conference on Feb. 23, coinciding with the formal opening of this year’s Paraw Regatta Festival.
Celebrating the region’s sailing traditions, the festival will feature Sinamba sa Regatta, a street dance and Mardi Gras-style performance that highlights Iloilo’s coastal culture.
“We will send Sinamba sa Regatta. Dinagyang has already reached international recognition. I am 110% sure that Sinamba sa Regatta will be at par with the Dinagyang legacy. Even as chairman, I see its great potential, and it has what it takes to compete in Manila,” Peña said.
IFFI Executive Director Joyce Ann Clavecillas confirmed that the decision followed consultations with artistic directors.
“At Aliwan, cultural heritage is a significant criterion. I believe Iloilo’s sailing tradition is rich, and we can incorporate that into the performance,” she said.
She noted that Iloilo has many coastal areas, both in the city and province, and expressed confidence in local artists’ ability to elevate the performance.
Dinagyang Festival has already secured eight championship titles at Aliwan Fiesta in 2004, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2017, 2023, and 2024.
With its impressive track record, IFFI believes it is time to give Paraw Regatta a chance at national recognition.
IFFI’s artistic team will begin preparations next year for the festival’s participation in Aliwan Fiesta 2026.
Meanwhile, the Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC) Media Group announced in January that Aliwan Fiesta would not push through this year due to scheduling conflicts with Holy Week observances and preparations for the 2025 midterm elections.
