Iloilo's Dinagyang Festival Receives Three-Year Winning Streak, Named Philippines' Best Cultural Festival

The Iloilo Dinagyang Festival continues to shine brightly on the cultural stage, clinching the title of the Philippines' Best Cultural Festival for the third consecutive year. The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) bestowed this prestigious accolade on the celebrated event.

Joyce Clavecillas, the executive director of the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI), expressed her hopes that this recognition would ignite curiosity among those who have yet to experience the splendor of the Dinagyang Festival. The festival claimed the grand prize for Best Cultural Festival in the city category during the 2023 ATOP National Convention's culminating recognition ceremony on Boracay Island on October 5.

Clavecillas emphasized the potential for this recognition to serve as a marketing catalyst for the Dinagyang Festival, particularly for newcomers and those eager to witness its grandeur. She highlighted that the festival's consistent success in various award categories enhances its appeal and visibility.

While it may not technically be considered a grand slam, as the awards span different categories, Clavecillas emphasized the festival's standing as one of the country's premier cultural celebrations. The Iloilo Dinagyang Festival had previously earned recognition for Best Tourism Practice during the Pandemic in 2021 and Best Tourism Event in the contemporary/non-traditional expression category in 2022, further reinforcing its status as a top-tier cultural extravaganza.

Clavecillas concluded that the consistent recognition would serve as inspiration to the organizers, prompting them to pursue excellence and innovative improvements that enhance the festival's enjoyment for attendees. The annual festival, held every fourth week of January, is a collaborative effort between the IFFI, Iloilo City Government, and the San Jose Parish. With each passing year, it continues to captivate hearts and minds as one of the Philippines' most celebrated cultural festivals.