Vigan es Colorido

The Festival of Arts in Vigan (Binatbatan) is celebrated during the first week of May, a month ago. This event was created by the SVAHAI (Save Vigan Ancestral Homes Association Inc.). It's purpose was to improve the publicity of the historic town that plays a significant role in preserving the history of the Ilocanos, thankfully it became successful on drawing tourist attention and attraction. I love this a lot because it makes me, an Ilocano, feel empowered and proud as a fellow Filipino. It brought up many overlooked traditions and cultures as well as arts in which would we like to make them feel the essence of our semi-indigenous lives.

        The Viva Vigan celebrations last a week and are characteristically both religous and secular. The event kicks up on Labor Day, and Vigan pays tribute to Isabelo de los Reyes, who created the country's first labor federation. On this day, people, particularly Catholics, celebrate St. Joseph, the patron saint of laborers. People, especially catholics, also remembers St. Joseph in this day, who is the patron saint of workers. The first day of the festival is followed by the Binatbatan Festival which includes and highlights the street dancing competition. Binatbatan dancing portrays the Vigan’s abel Iloco craft. The dance depicts how cotton pods are beaten with bamboo sticks to release the cotton fluff called batbat from its seed. This festival was started in 2002 to showcase this traditional weaving craft that is said to predate the arrival of the Spaniards. 

        The Feast of Apo Sto is celebrated on May 3rd. At the Simbaan a Basiit, Cristo Milagroso is visited with a religious mass. This is a very important religious holiday in Vigan since the Apo is claimed to have saved the city on several occasions. The Karbo Festival, which debuted in 2005, is another important festival within the Viva Vigan festival. Its goal is to highlight the people who work in Vigan's agriculture business and their contributions. The festival's name is derived from the terms carabao, a Philippine water buffalo used for farming, and bokel, which means seeds. On this day, youngsters parade their colorfully painted carabaos and show off their seed-based artistic works.

    After a two-year hiatus due to the epidemic, the customary style of commemorating this celebration has returned. Vigan has a rich culture, heritage, and history that is honored and showcased to the rest of the country and the globe. Vigan Binatbatan Festival Viva! Viva San Pablo, Agbiag Bigueno!

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