VIVA VIGAN! VIVA BINATBATAN FESTIVAL!

VIVA VIGAN!

VIVA BINATBATAN FESTIVAL!

Started in 1993 by the Save Vigan Ancestral Homes Association, Inc. (SVAHAI), and celebrated during the first week of the month of May, The Binatbatan Festival is made to promote awareness of the value of the historic town, which was hoped to strengthen, resolve to preserve, and protect this heritage site. It is also made to nurture the pride of Biguenos in their unique and historic city.

The Binatbatan Festival of the Arts is one of the most awaited festivals of Vigan City since it features a lot of activities, contests, and it is a chance for Biguenos to showcase their talents in the arts. As stated in the Philippine Information Agency’s website, the Viva Vigan Binatbatan Festival of the Arts celebrated from the last week of April to the first week of May was originally the Feast of the Natives that began on May 3, 1883, according to the writings of Damaso King, a well-known Vigan historian.  

Festivities during this period include the Binatbatan Street Dancing, The Kalesa Parade, Abel Fashion Shows, and other exciting events but this year since there is still a pandemic and the number of people being infected with COVID-19 continue to rise, it made celebrating this festival a challenge for locals but The Vigan City Officials thought of creative ways in order for us to still celebrate this festival. They chose to continue some activities but with extra caution, some events were done online such as the Binatbatan Street Dance Competition and events such as the Abel House Décor Contest was done in Calle Crisologo but with strict implementation of health protocols.

It is sad that we didn’t have the chance and opportunity to experience the Binatbatan Festival this year like we used to before because of the pandemic but we should keep in mind that we should prioritize our own health first especially in times like this.

REFERENCES

Binatbatan Festival of the Arts – Barangays. (2021). Retrieved  from https://barangaysofvigan.info/binatbatan-festival-of-the-arts/

The Philippine Star. (2021). IN PHOTOS: Students garbed in their Abel colorful costumes compete in the street dancing competition as part of the culminating activity of the Binatbatan Festival of the Arts in Vigan City. [Image]. Retrieved from https://twitter.com/PhilippineStar/status/992739059226169345/photo/4

Viva Vigan Festival of the Arts | Vigan.ph. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.vigan.ph/attractions/viva-vigan-festival-of-the-arts.html