Iloilo City’s Dinagyang Festival Kicks Off with Vibrant Sadsad sa Calle Real
Iloilo City is gearing up for one of its most anticipated cultural events of the year—the Dinagyang Festival. This year’s festivities will feature the lively Sadsad sa Calle Real, a street celebration set to take place on January 26 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the city’s heritage zone. The event promises to be a vibrant showcase of Ilonggo culture, faith, and community spirit.
“Watch out for the sadsad of our communities in between the judging areas. Without overhead spaghetti wires this year, it’s going to be a gorgeous attraction for everyone. We urge Ilonggos and visitors to join,” said Junel Divinagracia, Iloilo City Tourism and Progress Officer, during a press conference on January 20.
The Sadsad sa Calle Real will follow the Dinagyang Tribes Competition,transforming the streets from the Freedom Grandstand to Calle Real into a lively dance floor. Six tribes—Tribu Panaad, Tribu Calubihan, Tribu Familia Sagasa, Tribu Irong-irong, Tribu Aninipay, and Tribu Halimaw—will perform, emphasizing community engagement over intricate choreography.
“Let’s dance with the sadsad tribes, showcase our culture, and express our devotion to Sto. Niño,” Divinagracia added.
Unlike traditional competitions, the event encourages spectators to join in the fun, with simple dance steps designed for everyone to follow. The tribe that captures the hearts of the crowd will be crowned the “Darling of the Crowd.”
The Sadsad sa Calle Real is open to all, making it accessible even to those without tickets to the Dinagyang Tribes Competition. “The true spirit of Dinagyang is the coming together of our community,” Divinagracia emphasized.
This year’s festival carries the theme “Buhi nga Pagtuo sa Kinabuhi sang mga Ilonggo” (Living Faith in the lives of ilonggos), reflecting on how the faith of the Ilonggo people has shaped Iloilo City’s identity.
Key Highlights of Sadsad sa Calle Real
| Event | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Date and Time | January 26, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.|
| Location | Freedom grandstand to Calle Real, Iloilo City Heritage Zone |
| Participating Tribes | Tribu Panaad, tribu Calubihan, Tribu Familia Sagasa, Tribu Irong-irong, Tribu Aninipay, Tribu Halimaw |
| Theme | Buhi nga Pagtuo sa Kinabuhi sang mga Ilonggo (Living Faith in the Lives of Ilonggos) |
| Crowd Favorite | “Darling of the Crowd” award |
The Dinagyang Festival is more than just a celebration—it’s a testament to the enduring faith and vibrant culture of the Ilonggo people. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the Sadsad sa Calle Real offers a unique chance to immerse yourself in the heart of Iloilo’s traditions.
So, mark your calendars and join the festivities. as Divinagracia aptly put it, “The true spirit of Dinagyang is the coming together of our community.” Don’t miss this chance to dance, celebrate, and connect with the soul of Iloilo City.
For more information about the Dinagyang Festival, visit the official Iloilo City Tourism website.
Headline: Dancing with the Divine: An Expert’s Insight into Iloilo City’s Vibrant Dinagyang Festival and its “Sadsad sa calle Real”
Introduction: Join us as we dive into the rich cultural tapestry of Iloilo City, where preparation is in full swing for the much-awaited dinagyang Festival. This year’s event features the lively ”Sadsad sa Calle Real,” a street celebration promising an explosion of Ilonggo culture, faith, and community spirit.To guide us through this vibrant showcase, we’ve invited Donna Reoma, a local historian and cultural specialist from Iloilo, to share her insights with our Senior Editor, Maria Silva.
Maria Silva (MS): Donna, thank you for joining us today. Let’s kick off by discussing the Dinagyang festival and its meaning to Iloilo City.
Donna Reoma (DR): Thank you, maria.The Dinagyang Festival is indeed a important event for Iloilo City, commemorating the arrival of stoichiary, Ferdinand Magellan, and the publication of the first holy mass in the Philippines. It’s a celebration of our faith, culture, and history, held annually every fourth weekend of January.
MS: This year’s festival will feature the “Sadsad sa Calle Real.” Could you tell us more about this event and its importance?
DR: Certainly! “Sadsad” is a Hiligaynon term for street dancing,and “Calle Real” refers to the main street in the city’s heritage zone. This event transforms the streets from the Freedom Grandstand to Calle Real into a lively dance floor, where six tribes perform, showcasing Ilonggo culture and community spirit.
MS: We understand that this year’s “Sadsad sa Calle Real” will be Wire-free.Could you share your thoughts on this change and its impact on the event?
DR: Absolutely. The removal of overhead spaghetti wires this year aims to create a safer and more immersive experience for both the performers and the spectators. This change encourages more active participation from the audience, wich aligns with the true spirit of Dinagyang – the coming together of our community.
MS: The theme for this year’s festival is “Buhi nga Pagtuo sa Kinabuhi sang mga Ilonggo.” How does this theme reflect the essence of Iloilo City and its people?
DR: The theme “Living Faith in the lives of Ilonggos” emphasizes how our faith has shaped our identity as a people and a city. It underscores the deeply rooted commitment of Ilonggos to their faith and cultural heritage, which is evident in various aspects of our lives, from our festivals to our daily undertakings.
MS: There are six tribes participating in this year’s “Sadsad sa Calle Real.” Could you briefly introduce each of them?
DR: Of course. We have ”Tribu Panaad,” which symbolizes the Ilonggo’s commitment to hard work and perseverance; “Tribu Calubihan,” representing the sea-dwellingaler species; ”Tribu Familia Sagasa,” showcasing the unity and harmony in Ilonggo families; “Tribu Irong-irong,” depicting the strength and resilience of metal; ”Tribu Aninipay,” depicting the Ilonggo’s close relationship with nature; and “Tribu Halimaw,” signifying the Ilonggo’s courage and fearlessness.
MS: Lastly, what advice would you give to first-time Dinagyang festival attendees?
DR: I would advise them to come with an open mind and heart, ready to immerse themselves in our vibrant culture.Be prepared to dance, celebrate, and connect with the soul of Iloilo City. And most importantly, join in the “sadsad” – it’s not just a performance, it’s an experience that brings us all together.
MS: Donna, thank you for sharing your insights and expertise with us today. We look forward to experiencing the Dinagyang festival and its ”Sadsad sa Calle Real” firsthand.
DR: My pleasure, Maria. I look forward to seeing you and our readers at this year’s festival!
