MASINADYA TA! This Ilonggo expression, which generally means “Let’s have fun” is related to the words “kasadiáhan” or “things that are cheerful or that provide enjoyment and diversion” and “kasádia,” meaning “good cheer, glee, enjoyment, gladness, gaiety, merriment, merrymaking, reveling, rejoicing, joy, pleasure, celebration, solemnity, entertainment, applied to any religious, social or political gathering, where good feeling and cheerfulness abound.”
Part of the Dinagyang Festival is the Kasadyahan competition held every last Saturday of January. It is a gathering of festivals like the Ati-Atihan (Aklan), Manggahan (Guimaras), Binirayan (San Jose, Antique), MassKara (Bacolod City), Kaing (Leon, Iloilo), Hirinugyaw-Sugidanonay (Calinog, Iloilo), Capiztahan (Capiz), Cinco de Noviembre (Silay City), Tatusan (Caluya), among many others. Unlike the Ati Tribes competition that has specific themes and musical accompaniment (mainly percussion), the Kasadyahan is focused on the “bugal” or “pride of the place” like the epic chanting of Calinog, the kaing-making of Leon, the mangoes of Guimaras, the abundant coconut crab and related beliefs and practices of Caluya, etc.
This Dinagyang 2024, the Province of Iloilo is hosting the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan for the first time, so, to be featured are Iloilo Festivals such as the Kaing (Leon), Kasag (Banate), Saad (Leganes), Katagman (Oton), Tultugan (Maasin), Banaag (Anilao), Cry of Jelicuon (New Lucena), Hirinugyaw-Suguidanonay (Calinog), and Pantat (Zarraga). Imagine, it’s like visiting these nine towns in a day! What group will you be cheering for?