This 2012, Cadiz City celebrated its 38th Dinagsa Festival in honor of its patron Sto. Nino de Cadiz from January 22 to 29, with various activities being staged. It is a week long celebration with the rhythmic beating of drums.
Dinagsa refers to the Hiligaynon word "dagsa" which means to come in groups. Performers are painted in black or covered with black soot portraying an "ati" performing rituals and dancing in celebration of the feast of Sto. Nino.
One of the most unique activities in the festival is the Lamhitanay Festival on January 30, where people roaming around the streets smother and wipes paint among each other. The Lamhitanay Festival adds more color to the festival and the people.
This is where people (visitors or residents) in Cadiz city roam around the streets to smother and wipes paint to each other. (So prepare to get dirty as saying "no" or getting angry at them is sort of an insult, giving a bad vibe to the festivity.) If you don't like it, better stay at home.
My friends and I had a really good time during Dinagsa festival. Everyone was covered with different colors of paint. Everyone looks very messy and dirty but this is not something we experience often, so we just enjoyed the festivities!
Till the next Dinagsa Festival! ☺
