By CESAR JOLITO III
Cadiz City wrapped up the 52nd Dinagsa Festival, with massive crowds, high-energy street performances and a strong message of unity, overcoming challenges posed by looming weather threats and the ongoing sugar industry crisis.
The 10-day celebration, held from January 16 to 26, culminated in the Ati Dance and Street Dance Competitions that transformed the city’s main thoroughfares into a sea of rhythm, movement and color. Drumbeats echoed through the streets as dance troupes performed in honor of Señor Santo Niño de Cadiz, revered by residents as the city’s protector and provider for more than five decades.
One of the festival’s most anticipated highlights, Lamhitanay sa Dalan, drew an estimated 300,000 revelers who joined the now-iconic street celebration marked by the playful smearing of non-toxic colored paints.
Cadiz Mayor Salvador Escalante, Jr. described the activity as a uniquely Filipino spectacle.
“It was a peaceful, colorful and beautiful street chaos,” Escalante said, noting that the event reflected the strong unity and shared joy of Cadiznons and visitors alike.
The competitive highlight of the festival saw Sicablun Quatro emerge as back-to-back champion in the Street Dance Competition.
Composed of performers from Barangays Sicaba, Luna and Zone 4, the group impressed judges and spectators with what city officials described as a world-class performance. The winning troupe took home the P200,000 grand prize.
Earlier in the festivities, Assia Jean Ur-Rehman was crowned Dinagsa Queen on January 23, besting nine other candidates. City officials hailed her as a symbol of both beauty and intellect, now serving as one of the cultural ambassadors of Cadiz.
Beyond spectacle and pageantry, the Dinagsa Festival once again highlighted inclusivity through the 28th Paralympiada, also held on January 23.
The event, dedicated to children with special needs, has been a longstanding component of Dinagsa and remains one of its most meaningful activities. Through sports and cultural events, the Paralympiada provides a platform for participants to showcase their abilities while fostering community support and awareness.
This year’s Paralympiada aligned with the festival theme, “One Faith. One Child. One Colorful Celebration.” Escalante said the special child athletes embodied the true spirit of the festival.
“With the image of Señor Santo Niño de Cadiz, there is no better way to describe Him than through the pureness of our special kid athletes,” he said.
Adding to the significance of the event, Negros Occidental 2nd District Representative Alfredo “Thirdy” Marañon III announced plans to push for a regional Paralympiada following the establishment of the Negros Island Region. The initiative aims to expand opportunities for children with special needs while strengthening collaboration among local governments and schools.
Despite external challenges, Escalante said the 52nd Dinagsa Festival exceeded expectations.
“This celebration was beyond a success,” he said, adding that Dinagsa once again created lasting memories and positive impacts for Cadiznons and visitors, reinforcing the festival’s place as one of Negros Occidental’s most vibrant cultural traditions./CJ, WDJ