As the heartbeat of the Dinagyang festivities, SM City Iloilo, through its “AweSM Iloilo” campaign, promises a lineup of activities to watch out for in celebration of Dinagyang Festival 2025.
The ultimate destination for the best Dinagyang experience aims to amplify the spirit of the festival with unique events that highlight Ilonggo culture, art, community and tradition.
Ilonggos are in for a spectacle of a colorful showcase of Dinagyang performances, live music, local talents and cultural performances, igniting excitement for the festival’s 2025 edition.
The Dinagyang celebration kicked off on January 15 with the special screening of Cande’ at SM Cinema 3. The highly anticipated Ilonggo film is Directed by the award-winning Ilonggo filmmaker and UPV Professor, Mr. Kevin Piamonte, and produced by Atty. Jobert Peñaflorida and Ms. Rhea Peñaflorida.
On January 17, the Dinagyang tRAIbaho PESO Job Fair 2025 took place at the Event Center with 97 local companies, 14 BPOs, and 9 international firms offering exciting career opportunities. A total of 3,451 applicants were interviewed, with 2,566 qualifying, 1,545 selected for further interviews, and 220 hired on the spot.
The Dinagyang Fun Ride then followed on January 18, at South Point from 5:00 AM to 9:00 AM participated by almost 500 riders.
From January 19 to 26, visitors can explore the AweSM Iloilo Dinagyang Festival Costumes Exhibit at the Event Center. Simultaneously, the AweSM Tourism Booth at North Point and the AweSM Festival Sale mallwide will also run daily during the same period. The Best of Iloilo Fair will also be open at both the Event Center and North Point during these dates.
The festival continues with the Dinagyang Arnis Competition at Cyberzone from January 23 to 25, while meet-and-greet and parades with the Dinagyang Warriors will happen daily from January 23 to 26 around the mall, between 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Culinary highlights include the Grand Iloilo Food Festival, the Batchoy Festival, and the South Point Party, all happening at South Point from January 23 to 26, from 2:00 PM to 12:00 AM. Highlighting Iloilo’s reputation as a gastronomic haven, the Grand Iloilo Food Festival and Batchoy Festival will delight food enthusiasts, offering a delectable showcase of the region’s culinary excellence.
From January 23 to 27, visitors can enjoy the Music and Arts Festival at South Point from 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM, showcasing vibrant performances and creative displays.
The Dinagyang ILOmination Grand Opening will take place on January 24 at the mall façade at 7:00 PM. SM City Iloilo is the prime venue and main judging area of the event A Grand Fireworks Show will light up the sky on January 25 at South Point at 9:00 PM. The celebration culminates on January 26 with a star-studded South Point Party, featuring performances by Darren Espanto and Horizon along with other artists from 2:00 PM to 12:00 AM.
Dinagyang Festival is one of the Philippines’ most celebrated events, honoring Señor Santo Niño and showcasing Ilonggo heritage.
With SM City Iloilo’s dynamic hosting of the premier events of this year’s celebration, Dinagyang 2025 is set to be even more memorable.
For updates and event schedules, visit SM City Iloilo’s official social media pages or contact (033) 3209609 for inquiries.
