Formerly known as Iloilo Ati-atihan, Dinagyang has its beginnings in 1969. It was only in 1977 when the term “Dinagyang” was used, to differentiate it from Kalibo’s Ati-atihan. Coined by the late Pacifico Sumagpao Sudario, an Ilonggo writer and radio broadcaster, Dinagyang is a very colorful presentation of honoring Iloilo’s patron Saint, the Child Jesus or popularly known as the Sto. Niño. Prayers and offerings are interpreted in dance forms noted for its fast body movements. The dancing style is heavily influenced by modern theatrical movements that focus on the hands and that use indigenous-style instruments such of drums, and aligned pipes of various hypnotic melodies and are in perfect rhythm ending the presentation with shouts of “Viva Señor Santo Niño.”