Dinagyang 2027 is set to bring back colorful street decorations, restore performances to Iloilo City's downtown area, and expand the number of judging locations as organizers respond to public criticism of this year's festival.
The Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI) unveiled the plans during the festival's countdown launch at SM City Iloilo on October 24, giving Ilonggos an early look at the changes planned for the January celebration.
The announced improvements include the return of banderitas, five carousel-style judging areas within the city, and expanded religious activities in partnership with San Jose Placer Parish.
Dinagyang, Iloilo City's annual religious and cultural festival honoring the Señor Santo Niño, brings together tribal performances, street celebrations, and religious traditions. The 2027 edition is scheduled for January 22 to 24.
Organizers Respond to Criticism of 2026 Festival
The changes follow complaints about the 2026 edition, when organizers removed decorative banderitas and shifted the competition format away from the traditional carousel-style arrangement used in previous years.
The revised setup included performances at the Iloilo Sports Complex in La Paz district, drawing criticism over the location and the festival experience. Organizers subsequently reconsidered the arrangement following feedback from festivalgoers.
IFFI President Dr. Ronald Latap said the foundation had taken the criticism into account and was working to deliver a more organized celebration.
“We promise that Dinagyang 2027 will be better, more peaceful, and more organized. We listened to all the negative feedback from last year, and we will improve everything,” Latap said during the launch.
The planned return of banderitas will also take environmental concerns into account. Organizers have encouraged the use of indigenous materials, paper, and biodegradable alternatives instead of single-use plastic decorations.
Five Judging Areas, More Street Festivities Planned
For 2027, the Dinagyang Tribes Competition will return to Iloilo City's City Proper, with five judging areas planned: the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand, Iloilo Provincial Capitol, Quezon-Ledesma streets, Mabini-De Leon streets, and Iznart Street.
The carousel-style format will allow participating tribes to perform at multiple judging locations, bringing the competition back to the city's central streets.
IFFI also plans to expand the festival's religious activities, including a bigger fluvial procession, a solemn foot procession, and Sadsad activities in coordination with San Jose Placer Parish.
The festival is expected to involve communities across Iloilo City's seven districts, including barangays participating in Sadsad sa Calle Real.
The detailed program and schedules may still be adjusted as preparations continue.
City, Province Rally Behind Dinagyang 2027
Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas sent a message for the launch, which Councilor Mandrie Malabor read on her behalf. The mayor highlighted the festival's importance to Ilonggo identity and its contribution to local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, transport providers, merchants, and small enterprises.
Iloilo Provincial Tourism Officer Aulynn Yue Sin also expressed the provincial government's support, citing opportunities to strengthen cooperation between the city and province in tourism and cultural promotion.
Latap emphasized that a successful festival would require cooperation among the city and provincial governments, IFFI, San Jose Placer Parish, sponsors, the Department of Education, and barangays.
The countdown launch also comes after Dinagyang received national recognition. On October 21, the 2025 festival was named Best Cultural Festival at the 2026 Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines Pearl Awards in Ormoc City.
The 2027 festival's opening salvo for the tribes competition is scheduled for January 8, while the main tribes competition and awarding are set for January 24. Organizers are continuing preparations ahead of the three-day celebration.
