The 1st Dinagyang Float Parade of Lights at Iloilo Business Park

Another milestone made this year’s Dinagyang Festival even more memorable as the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc. (IDFI) hold the first ever Dinagyang Float Parade of Lights on January 27, 2018 from 7pm until midnight.

The colorful parade started at Infante Street beside the University of the Philippines-Visayas going to Benigno Aquino Avenue and concluded in Iloilo Business Park, where all floats were parked along the main road for the judges to see. The contest was participated in by 28 floats coming from various business corporations and companies, local government units including barangays, tertiary schools, civic clubs and associations and civil society organizations. Ilonggos and visitors were amazed by the exciting visual spectacle of the parade in this year's Dinagyang Festival. It showcased the creative artistry of Ilonggo float designers and artists by depicting various scenes, stories and themes, a timely addition to the list of established events taking place during the Dinagyang Festival weeklong celebration.

The competing floats were elaborately decorated and transformed into three-dimensional figures depicting unique scene. Some competing floats showcased unique scene and stories, motionless figures or animated designs which depict the corporate vision, mission or advocacy in line with the theme - "Dinagyang@50: Timeless Tradition, Culture and Devotion." Gold was the dominant color to highlight Dinagyang’s Golden Anniversary in every participating float during the parade. The floats were judged based on splendor or grandiosity (20%), uniqueness and originality (20%), lighting effects (20%), workmanship and creativity (20%), use of indigenous materials (10%), and execution of concept (10%). Judges were stationed along Aquino Avenue and Festive Walk Parade in Iloilo Business Park.

The Best Float, first and second runners-up received cash prizes and trophies which was later announced during the awarding ceremonies last January 28, 2018 at Iloilo Freedom Grandstand.