Colors, sounds, and crowds will fill the air as the culmination of the 50th Dinagsa Festival kicks off today, Jan. 20, with a grand opening celebration.
The festivities will begin with a motorcade around the city at 3 p.m., energizing the streets and signaling the start of the much-anticipated festival.
The grand opening program will officially start at 4 p.m., featuring thrilling mob dance performances designed to surprise and captivate the audience.
At 6 p.m., the Patikanay drumbeating competition will add excitement to the celebration.
Eight groups will compete to showcase their rhythmic prowess and creative energy.
This competition will elevate the festival’s vibrant spirit even further.
Simultaneously, the DepEd Night, an event organized by the Department of Education to honor the contributions of educators and students to the community, will be held at Cadiz Arena.
Adding to the festive atmosphere is a spectacular fireworks’ display at 7 p.m., lighting up the Cadiz City sky in a dazzling array of colors.
The Batukada de Negros, a renowned percussion ensemble, will then lead a dynamic lineup of performers, bringing the rhythm of Samba and Latin music to life.
A lively street party will cap off the night, featuring DJ Manic Ritmo.
Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. invites everyone to come to Cadiz and experience the vibrancy of Dinagsa Festival set to conclude with the traditional “lamhitanay” on Jan. 26.
Escalante said Cadiz’s Dinagsa, in honor of their patron, Sr. Santo Niño de Cadiz, is a unique showcase of faith, devotion, and tourism promotion.
Meanwhile, a series of exciting events took place ahead of today’s grand opening of the Dinagsa Festival, the city said in a press release.
These included the 10th Ultimate Dinagsa Frisbee Tournament, Dinagsa 2025 Airsoft Competition: Operation Paul 3, and the Dinagsa Supermoto/Grand Prix – all held on Jan. 11. The Duathlon Challenge followed on Jan. 12.
On Jan. 13, the Fiesta Fair (Kadiwa Center) was launched at the Cadiz Food Park, offering a vibrant marketplace for Cadiz’s agri and fishery products until yesterday, Jan. 19.
The Friendly Tennis Tournament with the San Carlos Tennis Club was held Jan. 17, alongside the Dr. Vicente F. Gustilo Memorial National High School alumni homecoming, the Dinagsa Chess Festival, and the 30-under SK Inter-Barangay Basketball Tournament 2025 Jan. 18.
Rounding off the pre-opening activities Jan. 19 were the Dinagsa Fun Run, the Kiddie Bike Race, the Invitational Boxing Tournament, and the Villacin National High School Alumni Homecoming.
The culmination of the 50th Dinagsa Festival will deliver a perfect blend of tradition, music, and community spirit, ensuring a memorable week of cultural festivities.
“So come and experience Cadiz, the land of many splendid opportunities,” Escalante said. ||
