Manila: The 2026 Iloilo Dinagyang Festival officially opened with 'Pamukaw,' which coincided with the start of Simbang Gabi on Tuesday. Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc (IFFI) executive director Joyce Clavecillas noted that the Pamukaw is held in the morning before the Misa de Gallo, as it literally awakens the Ilonggos to prepare for the festival, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, and the feast of Se±or Santo Ni±o in January. "For us, it is significant to celebrate the Pamukaw as a reminder for all of us that the center of this festivity is the Child Jesus," she said in a media interview.

According to Philippines News Agency, seven contingents participating in the Tribes competition performed within the vicinity of Plaza Libertad. During the opening salvo on January 11, performances will focus on the pride of Ilonggos. Clavecillas mentioned there will be two opening salvoes next year, including the salvo for the Kasadyahan Festival on January 10.

"At the salvo, we will already do the Freedom to Sports Complex route, for our tribes to familiarize themselves with the route. They will start their performances here at the Freedom, and they will proceed to the Iloilo Sports Complex. It will be in the afternoon," Clavecillas explained. The Kasadyahan Festival will offer a glimpse of performances from various festivals in Iloilo.

The competition proper for Kasadyahan is scheduled for the afternoon of January 24, while the Tribes Competition will take place in the morning of January 25. Clavecillas also mentioned that the announcement concerning the sale of tickets, which will be purchased online, will be made soon. "We are just waiting for the go signal from our web developer. We will post the announcement and the link," she added.