VIVA VIGAN!

 

VIVA VIGAN: LONGGANISA FESTIVAL

There are many reasons to travel the wonderful province of Ilocos Sur we'd bet that going to watch or witness the Vigan Festival tops your bucket list. The city of the Ilocos Sur province, Vigan City celebrates The Vigan City Fiesta every January 25. It is celebrated during the feast day of the conversion of St. Paul the Apostle. St. Paul is Vigan City’s patron saint. Travelling to the beautiful town of Vigan City is not a bad decision at all. The journey that we took together was all worth it. 

Whilst wandering around the Plaza Salcedo and waiting for the Vigan Longganisa Street Dancing to start, we heard a loud drum banging and lyre chiming. We look down to the place where we're at then we saw the gorgeous and handsome street dancers. They were practicing they're dance before the event/competition starts and even if they were just practicing, I was amazed of how energetic they danced. 

            They are joined by thousands of visitors from other parts of the Philippines and other countries in enjoying the cultural shows, parades and street dancing prepared by the local government with the help of the local industries and communities. Infront of the Vigan City Hall where the dancing starts, you will see a huge crowd; kids. teenagers, and/or elders waiting for the amazing performances to come. The drums they use in this festival was not just the ordinary one, they use this big looking barrel that was converted into a drum to make a lot banging sound.

The event that we attended to is called Vigan Longganisa Festival which is held every January 22. Longganisa is a local sausage with a creamy-garlic flavor and a breakfast staple in the country.  They carry around this plate with the replica of longganisa and dressed with the towns most famous clothing material type, abel. 

       Every group of performers has one girl who proudly waves the statue of St. Paul. Their dances vary from the others, they dance around delicately with a beautiful smile on their faces which might not surprise you because Filipinos is already known as joyful people. Vigan Festival is not only about the conversion of St. Paul but also to promote awareness of the value of the historic town, which was hoped to strengthen resolve to preserve and protect this heritage site. 

This is a short glimpse of one the performers. If you are ever thinking to visit the beautiful town of Vigan, this event is a must to watch. Now plan your trip and I hope this will add up to your bucket list. All thanks to my friend for going to this event with me, love ya'll.

"WORK, SAVE, TRAVEL, REPEAT."