DINAGYANG FESTIVAL The Dinagyang Festival is a religious and cultural festival in Iloilo City, Philippines held on the 4th Sunday of January Dinagyang Festival is a showcase of the rich heritage, colorful history, passionate devotion, and fun-loving spirit of the Ilonggo people. Dinagyang is a Hiligaynon word that means “merrymaking. The Festival of Iloilo Dinagyang is a showcase of the Ilonggo people's rich heritage, colorful past, passionate commitment, and fun-loving spirit.. The festival is actually a 3 separate event and usually and consistently being held on the last Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of the month of January.