Kasadyahan opening salvo highlights ‘fun, foodie, friendly’ Iloilo festival

ILOILO CITY (PIA) – The opening salvo of this year’s Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan on January 9, 2025, has given Ilonggos and spectators a visual treat as participating groups give a sneak peak of their vibrant performances, highlighting the ‘fun, foodie, friendly’ Iloilo.

Nine contingents from different towns in the province present their own local festivals during their dance-drama routines at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand and in front of the Casa Real, showcasing their distinct cultural identity and traditions.

The groups participating in the grand competition slated for January 25 include the Tinu-om Festival of Cabatuan town, Kaing Festival of Leon, Tangyan Festival of Igbaras, Banaag Festival of Anilao, Cry of Jelicuon of New Lucena, Tawili Festival of San Rafael, Haw-as Festival of Dumanggas, Hirinugyaw-Suguidanonay Festival of Calinog, and Tultugan Festival of Maasin.

Meanwhile, Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., in his message during the opening salvo, said that ‘Kasadyahan’ serves as the display window for the towns to showcase their cultural heritage, which also helps in boosting the province’s tourism industry.

“This Kasadyahan Festival has evolved into our cultural stage. We are presenting the culture and life of the city and province of Iloilo. Our ‘Fun, Foodie, Friendly’ festival is a mixture of different traditions. We have history, religious traditions, agriculture, and more. This is our contribution to the celebration of the Dinagyang Festival 2025,” Defensor said.

The Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan competition is a prelude to the Ati Tribes competition of the Dinagyang Festival 2025 celebration.

For this year, the province allotted P2 million in subsidies for the participating towns and allocated a total of P3 million in prizes.

Last year, the Tultugan Festival of Maasin, Iloilo was declared as Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan champion, followed by the Hirinugyaw-Suguidanonay Festival of Calinog as first runner-up and the Kaing Festival of Leon as second runner-up. (AAL/JNH/PIA Iloilo)

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