Side events for the 2026 Dinagyang Festival are not only meant to draw crowds and entertain spectators, but also create livelihood opportunities for food startups, ambulant vendors and other micro, small and medium enterprises.
Gabriel Felix Umadhay, chair of the committee on side events, said they have accredited 110 side events, the bulk of which will happen during the three-day highlight of the festival starting Jan. 23.
“We want that beyond the festivity of tribes competition, people will feel that they have more options. At the same time, we are giving more livelihood opportunities to our vendors, our ambulant sellers. They are the ones benefiting from our side events,” he said in an interview.
Umadhay said they would like startups in the food business to benefit because they are not really big businesses, but are food lovers who venture into the trade.
“Our goal is for them to see that the business opportunity in Iloilo City is sustainable, and this is the jumpstart of their career because everyone explores for food options during Dinagyang,” he said.
Most of the events will be held at key venues in the City Proper, Mandurriao and La Paz districts. Almost all of the events set for the day of the festival are free, except for those that are privately organized.
Side events include concert performances by either local or national bands and artists at the Sunburst Park, food festival areas, or major malls.
Umadhay said any activity that failed to secure accreditation and those found to be unsafe for mass gatherings will be stopped.
He added that they expect to have around 50,000 people in the downtown area and 100,000 in the Mandurriao district per day.
“With the expected crowd, there will be a heightened police presence in these areas. We also required organizers to have their bouncers to complement our Philippine National Police,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Iloilo Business Park in Mandurriao district unveiled its 10-foot Dino art installation along with the Dino and Dina Limited-Edition Blind Box Collectible on Jan. 16 to usher in the Dinagyang celebration.
The Dino character represents the strength and bravery of the precolonial Ilonggo warrior, symbolizing courage, unity and resilience.
Festival revelers can also look forward to a star-studded entertainment lineup and a mix of arts, culture, fashion, food and nightlife at the township.
“With Dinagyang celebrations unfolding across our mall, hotels, museums, residential communities, and convention center, Iloilo Business Park proudly upholds its role as the city’s center of arts and culture,” Megaworld Lifestyle Malls head Graham Coates said in a statement.
“Through immersive art, exciting celebrity-led performances, and vibrant cultural showcases, the township becomes a shared stage where heritage, creativity, and community are celebrated,” he said.PNA
