Dinagyang earns global acclaim

ILOILO CITY — The Dinagyang Festival has once again placed the Philippines on the global stage after securing two prestigious accolades at the Festival Awards Asia and the Asia Pinnacle Awards of the International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA).

The world-renowned festival won Best Overall Entertainment Program at the Pinnacle Awards Asia 2025 and was named Best Dynamic Festival, Dancing Festival 2025 at the Festival Awards Asia — a historic first for the Philippines in both award-giving bodies.

Dinagyang Festival director Eric Divinagracia and Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI) director for Culture and Arts Initiatives Elvert Bañares personally received the awards at the Gyeongju Hwabaek International Convention Center in South Korea on 21 March. 

The Best Dynamic Festival, Dancing Festival 2025 recognition was presented by IFEA president Dr. Jeong Gang-Hoan, who was also inducted into the World Pinnacle Awards Hall of Fame.

Divinagracia and Bañares dedicated the latest accolades to the Filipino people, the Ilonggo community, and all those who have contributed to Dinagyang’s success. 

The Dinagyang Festival has received numerous national and international recognitions over the years.

In 2024, it was named Asia-Pacific Folklore Festival of the Year at the Asia Festival Awards in Thailand and was recognized as the Best Festival in the Visayas at the 2024 Philippine LEAF Awards. In 2022, the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) Pearl Awards named it Best Cultural Festival (City Category).

During the pandemic, the festival’s virtual edition in 2021 was recognized in the Best Tourism Practice During the Pandemic special category, while its 2020 edition won Grand Champion in the Best Tourism Event (Festival) — Contemporary/Nontraditional Expression Category. From 2006 to 2008, ATOP also awarded Dinagyang as the Best Tourism Event in the Philippines.

Known for its vibrant street performances and deep devotion to the Señor Sto. Niño, the Dinagyang Festival is scheduled to perform in Auckland, New Zealand and Osaka, Japan this year following invitations from these cities.