Dinagyang Sa Chicago 2018

By: Ryan Tejero

 

Dinagyang Festival is trademark festival in Iloilo, Philippines. Rich in historical significance, this festival portrays a festive thanksgiving celebration among our ancestors to honor Senyor Santo Nino (Holy Child, Jesus), and the purchase of Panay Island by the 10 Bornean Datus from the early natives, known as “Ati.”

Today, Dinagyang Festival is world-famous. It’s making Iloilo a center of attraction among tourists, and it’s giving every Ilonggo as deep sense of pride.

For the first time in the Midwest, Dinagyang sa Chicago will be launched to usher in the spirit of merry-making among Ilonggos. This is a great opportunity to meet old-time friends, reminisce Ilonggo roots and heritage, and most of all – to witness and become part of the festivities.

This event will be held on August 11, Saturday at the Drury Lane Theater and Banquets in Oakbrook, IL. The organizers are currently working on a program that will fill the air and space with street-dancing and drum-beating sounds; loud chanting of “Hala-Bira;” and viewing of colorful costumes and displays – that is all about Dinagyang. Open to public, this event is aimed to bring back fun memories of the festival for those who experienced it in the past; inspire others to unite and find new friendships, and most of all, to embrace a true Ilonggo cultural heritage.

This event is organized by Tribu Ilonggo, which is a core group of highly-motivated individuals, who aspire to share the positivity and energy of the Dinagyang festival to all Ilonggos and friends across America.

Please mark your calendar on August 11 – Saturday, 2018 at the Drury Lane Theater and Banquets, dinner and show will start at 6pm. Dinner and show tickets will be available soon.

The organizers are looking for group performers, Ms. Dinagyang beauties, and event sponsors.

There will be a segment called, Ms. Dinagyang sa Chicago 2018 presentation, and the goal is to promote youth leadership and community involvement. The following are the requirements to join the Ms. Dinagyang 2018, please note that this is not a competition.

1. Must be female, single, unmarried, not a mother

2. Either both or one of the parents are Ilonggos

3. Must be 15-18-year old (15 years old by August 2018 and 18 years old by August 2018)

4. Will receive a bouquet of flowers, a Ms. Dinagyang sa Chicago Sash

5. Will be present during the presentation/parade and wear a long formal dress

6. Each participant will prepare a 2-minute speech of intro and their involvement in their community or school

Another segment of the event is presentation of Dinagyang Group Performers, and the goal is to promote the fun spirit of Dinagyang through group participation by interested community organizations, Ilonngo school alumni groups. The following are the requirements to join this segment, please note that this is not a competition.

1. Open to all organizations or groups who are willing to perform (Ilonggo or not)

2. Time of performance should be between 5-7 minutes including entrance and exit

3. Must perform creative dance, with any type or genre of music or sound

4. Must be responsible of their costume and props

5. Will sign a safety contract with the organizers Together, we can make Dinagyang sa Chicago a huge success! Hala Bira!

Please contact the organizers to become event sponsors, hit us on facebook: Dinagyang sa Chicago!