Way Positive, Vigan!

             Every year, there are enormous festivals in which Vigan City celebrates. However, this year, 2021 would be different. The existence of COVID-19 has stopped Biguenos from celebrating the festivals that we are celebrating every year. But, the government made sure that even though we can't view personally those festivals, they made sure that they can still broadcast it so that people can still watch those selective festivals.

            Here are some of the festivals that Biguenos celebrates every year. The Vigan City festival is held every 25th of January. It is a feast that is held in honor of the St. Paul the Apostle. It is the Vigan City's patron saint. During this feast, there are many different activities that are held. Some of it are food fairs, art and crafts exhibits, as well as visiting the carnival. Next is the Longganisa Festival. The Longganisa Festival is usually held on 22nd of January, just a few days before the Vigan City Fiesta which is held on 25th of January. The city has a longganisa-themed parade and at one time attempted to set a record for having the longest longganisa ever made. The festival has become a crowd-drawer as Vigan longganisa, a native version of Mexican salami, has a distinct garlicky taste that has become a favorite of the Filipino palate. Though other manufacturers have tried to copy the Vigan longganisa taste, they have not been successful. Biguenos attribute this to the fact that the making of Vigan longganisa is a centuries-old tradition of the local makers and all if not most of the ingredients used in making the native sausage is sourced from Vigan. Vigan’s garlic and sugarcane vinegar are said to be more strongly flavorful. It’s a great take-home gift after partaking in a Vigan City Fiesta.

            Surely, this year is greatly different from the past years. Celebrating those festivals will be gloomy compared to the celebrations of the past years. There are less activities and it is also limited. No big crowd, no street dancing, and the essence of fun that festivals are emitting. The festival essence isn't there, it is surely gone. However, let us trust God and pray that soon everything will come back to normal.

Reference/s:

Rivero, I. C. (2021, February 11). Philippine Information Technology. Retrieved from https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1026839