Binatbatan Festival

                The Naturales of Vigan chose “Tres de Mayo” of 1883 in honor of Apo Lakay of the Simbaan a Bassit as an act of thanksgiving for having saved Vigan from a deadly epidemic in 1756. It evolved from this and majestically transformed today as the most colorful and significant festival to Bigueños as it focuses on the remembrance of Apo Lakay’s deliverance as well as promoting the local fabric, Abel Iloco. The term binatbatan refers to the first step of the weaving process, wherein the cotton balls are separated from the seeds by beating them with the use of two bamboo sticks. Later on, binatbatan inspired an Ilocano folk dance. Costumes and props were created with abel iloco and the choreography was inspired by the weaving process.

          
      There are several activities lined up during the festival period, including street dancing, kalesa (horse carriage) parade, fishing competition, abel house decor contest, carabao painting contest, traditional games and a trade and food fair, where handicrafts and local delicacies are sold, such as Vigan longganisa (native sausages) and bagnet (fried pork) at competitive prices. Another event is the quintessential pageantry of the Santacruzan. The historico-religious parade cum beauty pageant commemorates the discovery of Jesus Christ’s cross by St. Helena, mother of Constantine the Great. This Filipino tradition started in the mid-19th century, sometime after the Immaculate Conception of Mary was declared official dogma in 1854.

           

                    Sadly, we were not able to experience or witnessed any of these activities because of COVID-19. Due to the increasing cases of COVID, social gatherings are strictly not allowed. We should not risk our health. For now, staying at home and keeping ourselves healthy must be our priority. Let’s hope and pray that this will come to an end.

Reference/s:

https://eazytraveler.net/2012/05/viva-vigan-binatbatan-festival-of-the-arts-2012/

http://vigancity.gov.ph/binatbatan-festival-of-the-arts-2019-2/