The Vigan City Fiesta is held every
January 25. It is celebrated during the feast day of the conversion of St. Paul
the Apostle. St. Paul is Vigan City’s patron saint. Before his conversion, St.
Paul was known as Saul, a zealous persecutor of Christians. After he was
touched by a personal encounter with Jesus Christ on his way to Damascus, his
name was changed to Paul and he endured a lot of hardships and danger to spread
the word of God to far places.
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.
Biguenos from all over the country and
even abroad return to Vigan, as it is the custom of Filipinos to return to
their hometown to join their family and friends in the celebration of their
fiesta. They are joined by thousands of visitors from other parts of the
Philippines and other countries in enjoying the cultural shows, parades and
street dancing prepared by the local government with the help of the local
industries and communities. There are also food fairs, arts and crafts
exhibits, as well as a visiting carnival.
Participants from the different
neighboring provinces in the northern region are also sent to compete in the
various games and activities, particularly the street dancing competition. This
participation by other municipalities makes the Vigan City Fiesta not only a
local event participated in by Vigan’s officials, but a national event
participated in by other local public heads and national officials. Within the
Vigan City Fiesta days, the Longganisa Festival is also celebrated. 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.
https://images.app.goo.gl/shAxLRCdPFvjwTrWA
No comments:
Post a Comment