MyIloilo.com

When we say Dinagyang the first thing that comes to our mind is merrymaking, partying, or ati-ati tribe contest. The Dinagyang Festival may be the best party event of the year here in Iloilo City. But there's more to it. To better enjoy Dinagyang, it's best to know a bit of the history of the festival. Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc. liturgical committee chair June Rivera have some insights of how it started.

Dinagyang festival was placed in the tourism map of the country in 1977 during the time of deposed President Ferdinand Marcos when the late president declared the year as Tourism Year. With the declaration, each local government unit was asked to present any tourism related activity.

By that time, Dinagyang, which was then called as Ati-atihan sa San Jose de Placer was already in place. The tribes used to perform only at the church vicinity though they are also having a parade in the nearby streets. As many as 32 tribes compete during the time. The performances begin at 7 a.m. and ends at 7 p.m., recalled Rivera. It was late Pacifico Sudario which coined the Dinagyang word, which means merrymaking.

The first tribe which captured the interest of the national as well as foreign dignitaries was the "Last Warriors", which was then being supported by Panaderia de Molo. They wore tin cans out of the cans used as container of their bread products. It was so beautiful and it created sounds because of the tin cans. The "Last Warriors" was even invited to perform in Manila. - Via The News Today