Iloilo’s Dinagyang Festival to Showcase City’s UNESCO Gastronomy Recognition

ILOILO CITY – This year’s Dinagyang Festival is set to exhibit Iloilo City’s distinction as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, offering local and international guests a chance to experience a wide array of Ilonggo cuisines. The food festival, commencing on January 25, is a key feature of the annual Dinagyang celebration.

According to Philippines News Agency, Iloilo City Executive Assistant and chair of the food festival committee, the festival promises a comprehensive gastronomic experience, reflective of Iloilo City and Province’s rich culinary heritage. The festival, running until January 28, will host approximately 700 kiosks and stores across various city locations, including the downtown area and Mandurriao district.

Locations such as Bonifacio Street, Muelle Loney, Provincial Capitol grounds, Solis Street, Valeria Street, and Iznart Street are set to be part of the festival’s footprint. Karmela Jesena, General Manager of Festive Walk Iloilo, mentioned that the Megaworld’s Festive Walk Parade in Mandurriao district will feature over 200 merchants offering a diverse range of Ilonggo dishes and delicacies.

Rachel Nufable, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) officer-in-charge for Western Visayas, highlighted the festival’s significance in supporting food micro-entrepreneurs. The event provides a platform for local vendors to market their offerings, adding to the city’s vibrant food culture.

Nufable also underscored the heightened tourist interest following Iloilo City’s recognition as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy last year, part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). The city joins an international network of over 350 cities in fields like crafts, design, film, gastronomy, literature, and music.