Every January 25, Vigan City
Fiesta is held. Biguenos treat this occassion very special that even some of
them who's in abroad goes home to join their families and friends in the
celebration of their fiesta. This fiesta is dedicated to St. Paul the Apostle,
the city's patron saint, and is celebrated during the feast day of his
conversion. Vigan’s main church, the Metropolitan Cathedral is dedicated to St.
Paul and it stands at the core of the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia. The major
Catholic educational institution in Vigan that stands beside the church is also
dedicated to the patron, the St. Paul College of Ilocos Sur. The Vigan City
Fiesta usually lasts for several days. It includes within the period the
celebration of the anniversary of the cityhood of Vigan, which is commemorated
every January 27.
The cultural shows, parades and
street dancing food fairs, arts and crafts exhibits, as well as a visiting
carnival prepared by the local government and communities are joined by
thousands of visitors also from other parts of the Philippines and tourists
from other countries. It has become a national event due to participation of
near provinces on its activities and street dancing competition.
Longganisa Festival is also
celebrated during the fiesta. There is a longganisa-themed parade within the
Vigan City Fiesta days. At one time, they 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. Even though some tried
to copy Vigan longganisa, they weren’t able to make it. 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. One of the great take-home
gifts are the vinegar and sugarcane wines from the city.
Celebrating these kind of
occasions help nurture our ancestors’ heritage and make everyone close to each
other in order to have a more peaceful and united community.
January 23, 2020
