Monday, January 28, 2008

DINAGYANG FESTIVAL

The Dinagyang Festival is celebrated every fourth weekend of January to commemorate the Christianization of the natives and to honor the Holy Child Jesus. It is a very colorful parade coupled with a dramatization in honor of the patron Saint Sto. Niño as the object of dramatized offerings and prayers amidst the cracking of drums and shouts of "Viva Señor Santo Niño." The thundering of "Hala Bira" by the tribe members makes the celebration a lively one. http://www.nscb.gov.ph/ru6/dinagyang_festival.htm
People wake up very early in the morning, paint themselves in black, wear very colorful costumes and headress, and dance to the hypnotizing beat of the drums.
Tribes circle the entire city proper of Iloilo, performing in 5 judging areas. The streetdance competition starts at 8 in the morning right after the Holy Mass, and usually ends in the afternoon.
Because of the extreme heat and the physical demands of the streetdance, only few women dare to join as an ati or warrior. http://www.pinoytravelblog.com/roadtrip/96/dinagyang-festival-2

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