Viva Vigan! Binatbatan Festival of Arts

     As according Damaso King, a well-known Vigan historian, the Viva Vigan Binatbatan Festival of the Arts, which runs from the last week of April to the first week of May, was originally the Feast of the Natives, which began on May 3, 1883. 

     The religious and secular significance of Viva Vigan's week-long celebrations cannot be overstated. It all begins on May 1st, when the entire country celebrates Labor Day. The Binatbatan Festival activities, which feature a street dancing competition, follow the first-day observance. Binatbatan dancing is linked to the abel Iloco craft of Vigan. The dance represents the process of beating cotton pods with bamboo sticks to remove the cotton fluff known as batbat from its seed. An festival began in 2002 with the goal of showcasing this ancient weaving technique that predates the advent of the Spaniards.

     The Feast of Apo Sto. Cristo Milagroso is celebrated with a mass at the Simbaan a Basiit on May 3rd. This is a very important religious holiday in Vigan because the Apo is claimed to have saved the city on numerous occasions. Visitors are also encouraged to fit in the calesa parade, ramada or traditional games, comedia or stage drama, Santa Cruzan parade, abel fashion show and house decoration, singing contests and beauty pageants, and other exciting events like the Amazing Heritage Race into their six-day Viva Vigan experience. They can also take part in religious ceremonies or attend exhibits, horticultural shows, and commerce and food festivals.

     Since the pandemic began last year, nevertheless, the celebrations have been significantly different in order to ensure public safety. The city authority of Vigan has assured that the event would go place in accordance with all safety protocols. The activities were limited, and they were designed to be completed at home or in a setting where social distancing is practiced.

Reference(s) :

https://www.google.com/amp/s/pia.gov.ph/features/articles/1021193.amp

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