ILOILO — The Dinagyang Festival 2026 is introducing major changes aimed at improving the spectator experience and prioritizing performer welfare, the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI) announced in a briefing Wednesday.

The IFFI is restructuring the performance routes for both the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan and the Dinagyang Tribes Competition to be more streamlined.

Instead of four judging areas in the City Proper, the 2026 festival will utilize only two official judging areas — the Freedom Grandstand and the Iloilo Sports Complex.

This shift is intended to ease traffic congestion and create wider viewing spaces for attendees.

To ensure the public still experiences the vibrant street action, three designated stops will be set up along the route — J.M. Basa Street near Plazoleta Gay, in front of the Iloilo Provincial Capitol, and in La Paz.

In a move addressing dancer welfare, the Dinagyang Tribes Competition on 25 January 2026, will now take place in the afternoon, providing performers with more time for rest and preparation.

The foundation also significantly increased financial support for the participants. The subsidy for each of the seven competing tribes has been raised to P2.3 million, up from P1.7 million last year, underscoring the festival’s commitment to supporting its performers and elevating the quality of the competition.

IFFI officials said the changes promise a more crowd-friendly festival while maintaining the high-energy street performances and tribal pride central to the Dinagyang celebration.