• YAN TRINIDAD
Cadiz City, now fondly known as the Land of Splendid Opportunities, has reached a significant milestone with the celebration of its 50th Dinagsa Festival Grand Culmination.
While this year marks the festival’s 51st year, the city has chosen to honor the golden anniversary milestone, a testament to the event’s legacy and its growing influence.
The festival is among the most anticipated celebrations in the Philippines, standing proudly alongside iconic festivals, like Cebu’s Sinulog and Iloilo’s Dinagyang.
This year, it has achieved international prestige, being recognized as one of the world’s most vibrant and culturally significant festivals.
At the heart of this global recognition is the unique “Lamhitanay sa Dalan”, a local tradition that sets Dinagsa apart from any other celebrations.
UNIQUE TRADITION
The “Lamhitanay sa Dalan”, where participants smear colorful paints on each other, symbolizes the city’s colorful and meaningful celebration of life, unity, and joy.
This unique tradition begins as early as six o’clock in the morning and stretches into the early hours of the next day, transforming the streets into a kaleidoscope of colors and laughter.
The activity is further amplified by street parties, live performances by local and national artists, and pulsating beats from renowned disc jockey’s (DJs), creating a festive atmosphere that captivates both locals and tourists, thus, celebrates Cadiz’s rich heritage and its people.
DINAGSA DANCE TILT
Running parallel to the street festivities is the much-awaited Dinagsa Festival Street Dance Competition, where tribes from the city’s 22 barangays compete to honor Senior Santo Niño de Cadiz, the city’s patron.
This year, Sicablun Quatro, representing Barangays Sicaba, Luna, and Zone 4, emerged victorious, claiming the championship title and a grand cash prize of P200,000.
Runners-up included Tribu Tinambi Tres (Barangays Tinampa-an, Mabini, and Zone 3), second place with P150,000; Tribu Bucad Cadiz Viejo (Barangays Burgos, Caduha-an, and Cadiz Viejo), third place with P100,000; and Tribu Hitalon (Barangays Zone 1 and Zone 6), fourth place with P75,000.
A consolation prize of P50,000 each was awarded to Tribu Vil-Gus (Barangays Celestino Villacin and V.F. Gustilo), Tribu Majeca (Barangays Magsaysay, Jerusalem, and Cabahug), Tribu Tibanda (Barangays Tiglawigan, Banquerohan, and Daga), and Tribu Yabyab Dongol (Barangays Zone 2 and Zone 5).
A FESTIVAL ON THE GLOBAL STAGE
The festival has proven that Cadiz’s celebration is no longer just a local tradition but a global spectacle.
As it continues to gain international attention, the festival not only showcases the unique culture and creativity of the Cadizeños but also cements its place as a world-class celebration. Cadiz’s diverse traditions and strong pride remind us that its journey to international prestige is only just beginning. The Dinagsa Festival is now a global symbol of unity, creativity, and cultural heritage. ||
