ILOILO CITY: Some 1.5 million persons are expected to come and see the world- famous Dinagyang Festival this January with highlights on January 25 to 27, 2013. This was revealed by Iloilo City

tourism officer Benito Jimena, after confirming the arrival of visiting delegations from abroad including the arrival of ambassadors from Greece, Turkey, Australia, Germany, Korea and France.

Jimena said that President Benigno Aquino 3rd is also expected to come on January 26 to see the Kasadyahan Festival along with other top government officials and politicians to see the Kasadyahan and Dinagyang Ati-atihan on January 27.

Jimenaa said that other foreign delegations are expected to arrive from New York City and Guam, USA and a delegation from Queensland, Australia bringing their Miss Australia-Philippines beauty queen.

This year’s celebration will also feature an authentic “Ati” group culled from Nagpana, Barotac Viejo and Anilao, Iloilo to present a dance exhibition of their own culture. The group will have 60 dancing warriors and 30 drummers headed by tribe manager Enoch Valencia of the National Commission of Indigenous People.