Batbatin

 

    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.  

    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. Along with the street pageantry of the Binatbatan Street Dancing, it also emphasizes Agriculture with its Karbo festival, Calesa Parade and the Santacruzan.

    Last 2019, under Mayor Juan Carlo S. Medina, the event begins on April 27 with the opening of the food and trade fair, abel house décor set-up, carabao painting, boklan art, tile mosaic and concert at Calle Crisologo. The other activities include: April 28 - Vigan Experience Funshoot, Kalesa parade; April 29 - Vigan Dance Festival; April 30 - public viewing and awarding of the television commercial and music video contest; May 1 - wreath laying in front of Leona Florentino house to celebrate Labor Day and the father of Labor Unionism in the Philippines, Isabelo de los Reyes, son of Leona; Blood letting with Freedom Gig and PRC Ilocos Sur and spoken poetry exhibition at Leona Florentino monument. May 2 - Santacruzan sponsored by the Sangguniang Kabataan of Vigan, Freedom Gig, and Abel fashion show featuring Mark Leo Aguilar, Danika Damo and Erjohn dela Serna. May 3 - Tres de Mayo celebration at Simbaan a Bassit with a set of Holy Masses in the morning, followed by ramada games, Binatbatan tattoo and band festival and, procession in honor of the Santo Cristo Milagroso. May 4 - Binatbatan street dancing and showdown, Freedom Gig, and Abel House decor awarding.  

    But with the threat of COVID-19 pandemic, the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has announced a set of guidelines and tourist requirements that needs to be followed. This year, in this 2nd celebration of Binatbatan Festival there are limited activities due to this pandemic. This implies that the activities requiring face-to-face and many other activities that break the protocols is not allowed as Covid hits. Stay safe!

Reference/s:

https://guidetothephilippines.ph/articles/ultimate-guides/vigan-ilocos-travel-guide

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

https://pia.gov.ph/features/articles/1021193

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