ILOILO CITY (PIA6) – Ilonggos will get to experience a visual treat from the different groups joining the Ati Tribes competition during the Iloilo Dinagyang Festival opening salvo on Jan. 12.

Eight tribes joining the Dinagyang Ati Tribes competition would give a sneak peek of their final performances in four judging areas: Freedom Grandstand, Iloilo Provincial Capitol, Mabini-Delgado, and Quezon-Ledesma.

The tribes include the Tribu Ilonganon (Jalandoni Memorial NHS), Tribu Mandu-riyaw (Mandurriao NHS), Tribu Paghidaet (La Paz NHS), Tribu Pan-ay (Fort San Pedro NHS), Tribu Salognon (Jaro NHS), Tribu Sigabong (Ramon Avanceña NHS), Tribu Silak (Iloilo City NHS), and Tribu Taga-Baryo (Bo. Obrero NHS).

tala (Jaro), on the other hand, will lead and perform the unity dance to enliven everyone’s connection and excitement to the festival.

Dancing warriors of the five tribes for the Sadsad sa Calle Real namely Tribu Aninipay, Tribu Ibata sa Paghiliugyon, Tribu Molave, Tribu Panaad, and Tribu Parianon will also showcase their merrymaking dance moves.

Meanwhile, the Iloilo City Traffic Management Unit (ICTMU) is asking for the public’s understanding as traffic congestion is expected during the opening salvo as there will be rerouting, road closures, and provision of other emergency lanes.

The schedules of blocking rehearsals are also set on Jan. 9 to 10 for the opening salvo, Jan. 21 for the ILOmination, Jan. 22 to 23 for the Dinagyang Tribes Competition, and Jan. 24 to 25 for the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan Festival.

This year’s edition of the Dinagyang Festival on Jan. 28 marks the comeback of the school-based Ati Tribes competition following their hiatus due to the health pandemic. (AAL/JNH/PIA Iloilo)