ILOILO CITY, Dec. 16 -- The 2026 Iloilo Dinagyang Festival officially opened with "Pamukaw," which coincided with the start of the Simbang Gabi on Tuesday.

Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc (IFFI) executive director Joyce Clavecillas said they hold the Pamukaw in the morning before the Misa de Gallo, because they literally awaken the Ilonggos on the preparation for the festival, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and the feast of Senor Santo Nino 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.

Seven contingents joining the Tribes competition performed within the vicinity of Plaza Libertad.

Meanwhile...