ILOILO CITY — The 2026 Dinagyang Festival came to life on Tuesday with the traditional Pamukaw ritual, held at dawn in time with the start of Simbang Gabi, signaling the awakening of Ilonggos to a season of faith, culture, and celebration leading to the grand festivities in January honoring Señor Santo Niño.

Pamukaw, which literally means “to awaken,” set a solemn yet vibrant tone for the festival as seven contingents competing in the Tribes Competition performed around Plaza Libertad, offering residents and visitors an early glimpse of the energy, color, and devotion that define Iloilo City’s most celebrated event.

Joyce Clavecillas, executive director of the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc., said the early-morning ritual underscores the spiritual foundation of Dinagyang, reminding the community that beyond the pageantry lies a deep expression of faith.

“For us, it is significant to celebrate the Pamukaw as a reminder that the center of this festivity is the Child Jesus,” Clavecillas said.

2 opening bash

Looking ahead to the highlights of Dinagyang 2026, Clavecillas announced that the festival will feature two opening salvoes. The first, scheduled on 10 January, will showcase the Kasadyahan Festival, highlighting the rich and diverse traditions of Iloilo’s municipalities. The second opening salvo on January 11 will focus on Ilonggo pride and heritage through performances by the Dinagyang tribes.

During these opening activities, performers will follow the Freedom Grandstand-to-Iloilo Sports Complex route, allowing contingents to familiarize themselves with the parade path ahead of the main competitions. The Kasadyahan Festival competition proper is set for the afternoon of 24 January, while the Tribes Competition will be held on the morning of 25 January.

Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. confirmed that the Iloilo provincial government will again extend support to participating municipalities, providing a P2 million subsidy to each town joining the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan 2026.

Nine municipal festivals are expected to compete, representing San Joaquin, Miagao, Sta. Barbara, New Lucena, Bingawan, Maasin, Banate, Anilao and San Rafael. The Tultugan Festival of Maasin enters the competition as the defending champion.

Festival performances will be staged at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand in City Proper and at the Iloilo Sports Complex in La Paz district, ensuring wider public access to the events.

Clavecillas said ticket sales for Dinagyang 2026 will soon be made available online, with official announcements and booking links to be released once approved by the festival’s web developer.

With the Pamukaw ritual setting the pace and faith at its core, Dinagyang 2026 once again positions Iloilo City as a vibrant center of devotion, culture and Ilonggo unity.