VIVA VIGAN!

         Binatbatan Festival is one of the most awaited festival here in Vigan. Specifically, to those people who are in to arts get so excited when the time of the year comes. That is because Binatbatan Festival is known as the Festival of Arts of Vigan City. However, Abel Iloco is the main reason why Ilocanos celebrate Binatbatan Festival. For those who are not aware, Abel Iloco is a kind of woven fabric that is made from yarns of cotton or sagut. Binatbatan came from its Iloko word, “batbatin” this reperesents the traditional process of how Ilocanos separate cottons.

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Binatbatan Festival has a lot of itinerary activities. Such as food and trade fair. Abel House Décor, is where Ilocanos decorate the well preserved colonial houses in Calle Crisologo using abel. Carabao Painting is where Ilocanos showcase their talent in painting the carabaos with the theme of “Viva Vigan”. And of course the main event, Binatbatan Street Dancing where many different schools contend in this activity, they dance while having a parade. The other activities include; Kalesa Parade, Spoken Poetry, Abel Fashion Show, and many more!

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Then, because of COVID-19 Pandemic, many events are cancelled. This has been a tradition and culture for Bigueños, and yes it should not be postponed nor skipped. However, Mayor Juan Carlos Medina came up with an Idea. Many agendas may have been cancelled but at least Ilocanos were able to celebrate it even within this Pandemic. It may have been totally different on how we usually celebrate it but it’s alright as long as we acclaimed this special event of Vigan City.