Mayor Jerry P. Treñas considered the Dinagyang Digital 2021 as one of the best editions in the festival’s history.

“Mounting the Dinagyang Digital 2021 amid a pandemic has been really challenging for all of us – restrictions were observed, the budget was tight because we did not want to splurge, and the uncertainty of staging the first-ever digital celebration,” Treñas said in a statement.

“But we have successfully ended Dinagyang Digital 2021 with a bang! We have shown the world our unwavering faith, that despite this very challenging time, we can still celebrate in honor of our patron saint, Señor Sto. Niño. Let us remember that we are all warriors, courageous in facing any battle thrown at us,” he added.

The 53rd anniversary of Dinagyang was celebrated virtually. All its activities from January 15 to 24 were live streamed via social media sites.

The festival earned praises from viewers for showcasing world-class performances from the city’s seven districts, namely La Paz, Jaro, City Proper, Molo, Arevalo, Lapuz, and Mandurriao.

Their canned performances depicted the rich culture and history of the Ilonggos as well as their strong devotion to Señor Sto Niño.

The Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI), the official organizer of Dinagyang, partnered with Ilonggo Artists Festival Association (IAFA) for the online staging of the festival this year.

All those who took part in the presentation underwent real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests before they were isolated for the rehearsal and shooting.

Tribu Lapuz and Tribu Jaro, garnered the Best in Choreography and Best in Performance awards, respectively, during the the Awarding Ceremony in Iloilo Business Park (IBP) on Jan. 24.

Tribu La Paz took home the People’s Choice Award.

Tribu Lapuz and Tribu Molo snatched the Best in Best in Costume and Production Design and Nest in in Music awards, respectively.IMT