Viva La Vigan

    Filipinos are, without a doubt, the most Christmas-oriented people on the planet. We begin to recognize the Christmas season as early as September, with radio stations broadcasting Christmas music on September 1st. Every city and town in the Philippines has its own unique style of commemorating the season. The unveiling of the Christmas tree, a yearly event in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Vigan, draws a large audience ranging from tourists, other town locals, and of course their local residents, also known as the Bigueños. Bigueños gather in a large crowd to participate in this annual tradition. The event is one

of the kick starters of the week-long Raniag Twilight Festival that also happens yearly. This year, however, may have some inconvienience and difficulties because of the widespread pandemic, COVID-19.

    We had a novel way of celebrating Christmas last year. I know we all want to go outdoors this Christmas season and see our friends and family, but keep in mind that the epidemic is still taking place. Even if we follow safety standards, we may still convey joy and laughter. Because the majority of individuals are now completely vaccinated, you should be able to enjoy Christmas if you follow safety precautions. However, some people have lost their employment as a result of the epidemic, and they no longer have a reliable source of income for their families. But don't worry, this year's Christmas will be much better since more people will have been vaccinated, and we will be able to enjoy the holiday without fear.

    The rich culture and many traditions of Vigan is part of the Bigueños' social well-being. We get sad when we don't find people dancing on the streets to the tune of our culture and heritage. We get mad when our plazas don't stage events and shows. Indeed, we'll make it sure that these events will happen soon, when we are done with the pandemic, when everyone is well and safe.

Bigueño culture is so rich that it is not enough to express it in words. We need to express them in festivities and manifest it in our intangible good traditions for other people to understand.

Photo Sources:

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49401160413_3ff33c7b05_b.jpg

https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2020/life/11/29/20201129-vigan-christmas-tree.jpg?ext=.jpg

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijyT40Tg-3eeIBI_0g7JgWnkFCxDhFf5eE3NUQgPSLIOWHdA-mXiG7TG9EuWfgtY7WiBiY2M_9Z-zpvH4SuxyU8bgmua_7zAXqg7X_ErRJ0QHZtPvbWUtYW-CByOWpu1LOz5D82B5XHmo/w1200-h630-p-k-no-nu/DSC_9994.JPG