The spotlight for the Dinagyang Festival 2026 will shine on just two main performance hubs — the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand and the Iloilo Sports Complex, with competitions set to kick off at 1 p.m.
Angel de Leon, president of the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI), said the move aims to ease public inconvenience from stage construction and festival activities, ensuring a smoother flow from setup to finale.
At the same time, Prof. Erick Divinagracia, Dinagyang Festival director, confirmed that the street dance competitions will continue along three areas of the parade route, letting more spectators enjoy the performances up close.
“With more accessible spots along the streets, more people can witness the tribes’ moves, and ticket availability has increased for fans who want a prime view,” Divinagracia added.
Last year’s judging areas for the Tribes Competition and the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan included the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand, Iloilo Provincial Capitol, Mabini-Delgado, and Quezon-Ledesma.
By trimming the main hubs this year, organizers are creating a leaner, more crowd-friendly Dinagyang, while keeping the street energy alive for thousands of festival-goers.IMT
