Iloilo City's Dinagyang has its early beginnings in 1968, when a model of the image of Sr. Santo Ni¤o was brought from Cebu City to the San Jose Parish Church by Fr. Suplicio Ebderes, OSA with a delegation of Cofradia del Sto. Niño, Cebu members. The image and party were enthusiastically welcomed at Iloilo City by then parish priest of San Jose Church, Fr. Ambrosio Galindez, OSA, then Mayor Renerio Ticao, and the devotees of the Sto. Niño in Iloilo City. The festival is celebrated every 3rd week of January in form of a religious and festive celebration.
The Dinagyang Festival is worldly renowned on it's unique festival dance competition. It is actually held for commemoration of the fest of Sr. Sto. Niño. Every tribe (Group of Dance Competitor) is preparing a 7-10min of festive and dynamic dance presentation for the Tribe Dance Competition.
