Unbeatable Culture; Viva Vigan!

            Vigan is one of the oldest towns in the Philippines. And is known for its well-preserved Spanish Colonial dark-wood mansions, cobblestone street as well as clattering kalesa. The city also made it to the list of best preserved example of Spanish Colonial Towns in Asia by UNESCO. Bigueños celebrate Vigan City's Fiesta on the 25^th day of January that lasts a weeklong, in commemoration to the conversion of St. Paul Apostle, the city's patron saint. Additionaly, some establishment were made dedicated to him, mentioning the Saint Paul Metropolitan Cathedral.

               Usually the town fiesta is composed of arts and crafts exhibit, trade and food fair, street dancing performances as well as competition from different schools. Bigueños are truly talented and dedicated people, they allot plenty of their time to practice and prepare for the celebration. And that the competition is very stringent due to the great presentation of each groups.  Even tourists are attracted to celebrate.

              It is a very much awaiting celebration to Bigueños annually. But Covid-19 started last year and is still widespread up to now resulting in different way to carry out the fiesta. The yearly activities are celebrated with precautions and limitation, it is important to follow the health protocols. Recently, Trade and Food Fair just opened as part of the Kannawidan Ylocos Festival. As well as the Saniata ti Ylocos Pageant, the whole event was recorded live.

               Indeed, the pandemic didn’t stop Bigueños to celebrate the traditions and culture. Happiness still lies in every faces even at home. With the great deliverance of the contestants.

Images retrieved from:

https://primer.com.ph/tips-guides/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2016/01/Vigan-Fiesta-1024x755.jpg

https://files.pia.gov.ph/latest-articles/2021/01/29/dsc-0560.jpg