VIVA VIGAN 𝗕𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗕𝗔𝗧𝗔𝗡

 Every first week of May, Viva Vigan Binatbatan Festival of the Arts, started in 2002 and  established in 1993 by the Save Vigan Ancestral Homes Association, Inc. (SVAHAI) showcases the historic city’s artistic and cultural values. 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.

”Binatbatan” is the process of beating cotton pods to remove the seeds for Abel weaving. Which locals interpreted into an occupational dance with the use of two sticks called ”batbat”. Binatbatan represent the actions of cotton farmers as they separate the seeds from the fibers using stick. The festival has been successful in garnering consideration for Vigan's tribal houses for the previous sixteen years. The celebration has also prevailed in terms of advancing many aspects of Vigan with the help of national and local organizations, as well as media, expressions, and non-legislative allies. Its popularity has benefited the entire northern tourism business, attracting a slew of local and out-of-town visitors eager to learn more about the culture and traditions of Vigan. This week-long celebration have both religious and secular importance. It all starts on May 1st, when the entire country celebrates Labor Day and Vigan remembers its own Isabelo de los Reyes, who founded the country's first labor league. On this day, the catholics also remembers St. Joseph, the patron saint of specialists. The Binatbatan Festival celebrations, which include a road moving rivalry, follow the main day commemoration. Vigan's abel Iloco manufacturing is linked to Binatbatan movement. The film depicts cotton cases being pounded with bamboo sticks to release the cotton fiber known as batbat from its seed. This festival began in 2002 to honor this traditional weaving technique that is thought to have originated before the arrival of the Spaniards. 

 

Philippine festivals are town fiestas celebrating moments in history that defined identity, polity and locality.  Festivals are the creative approach to honor our rich history, culture, and traditions. They are supposed to be shared with loved ones to celebrate key moments and feelings in our life. They play a vital part in our social life by providing structure and connecting us to our families and backgrounds. They provide a welcome break from our mundane, monotonous daily routines and provide motivation to recall the essential things and events in our lives. Legends, knowledge, and traditions were passed down through the generations through festivals.

In one way or another, all festivals are cultural. They all have the same goal of making our lives happier and stronger.

REFERENCES:

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

"Viva Vigan Binatbatan Festival of the Arts 2019 in Philippines, photos, Fair,Festival when is Viva Vigan Binatbatan Festival of the Arts 2019 - HelloTravel" https://www.hellotravel.com/events/viva-vigan-binatbatan-festival-of-the-arts

https://culture360.asef.org/magazine/reflections-philippine-festivals/ 

 http://www.hattours.com/blog/festivals-2/ 

https://images.app.goo.gl/7sJH1S7TmyvAWcC17