The 2025 Dinagsa Festival in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, not only drew over 500,000 revelers but also generated an impressive PHP 1 billion in revenue, signaling its growing influence as both a cultural and economic force. What started as a local tradition has blossomed into a major regional attraction, benefiting businesses and tourism in the city.
Local Businesses Reap Big Rewards
For Cadiz’s local economy, the Dinagsa Festival was a game-changer. Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. reported that festival-related spending, from food stalls to transportation and fuel, amounted to PHP 1 billion in sales. This windfall helped fill local malls, eateries, and shops, with many businesses seeing a 20% profit margin during the festivities. The ripple effect extended far beyond the festival grounds, benefiting service providers, transport companies, and other sectors catering to the surge in visitors.
Tourism Surge: Dinagsa Draws Visitors From Across the Region
The Dinagsa Festival continues to attract tourists from all over the Visayas, with this year seeing a significant increase in international visitors. About 80% of the crowd in the grandstand was composed of foreign nationals, a huge jump from previous years when they made up only 10 to 20%. This shift reflects the festival’s rising status as a regional and even international event, helping to position Cadiz City as a must-visit destination in the Visayas.
Celebrating Culture While Boosting the Economy
Beyond the economic benefits, Dinagsa plays a key role in strengthening Cadiz City’s cultural identity. The festival honors the historic landing of 12 sperm whales on its shores in 1967, and the traditional paint-smearing "Lamhitanay sa Dalan" adds a unique touch. As the festival continues to grow, it blends tradition with tourism, creating lasting economic and cultural value for the city.
