Understanding the Miracle

 

As we all know, our culture is very important since it is part of our identity as Filipino people living our lives, whether it is living outside of the country or currently residing in the Philippines. No matter where we are around the world, we carry our cultural traditions and of course, Filipino blood. Which leads us to celebrating multiple festivals a year and considering the topic today, specifically the Binatbatan Festival. Here is a short summary about the 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. Along with the street pageantry of the Binatbatan Street Dancing, it also emphasizes Agriculture with its Karbo festival, Calesa Parade and the Santacruzan.It is said that ever since the deadly cholera epidemic that occurred in 1882 that engulfed the residents of Vigan. It is now treated as a “miracle” and now celebrated every year after festivals of Vigan such as, Longganisa Festival and the Vigan City fiesta.

 

I am thankful that even though the COVID-19 virus is still here, we get to celebrate this amazing festival amidst the pandemic. And I hoped that those who participated in the festival were aware of the social distancing and the health protocols that our government implemented. To be honest, I didn’t know that such a thing even happened in Vigan. This really showed me the wonders of what festivals can do since a long time ago. Now, I hope to discover many more, not just this particular festivals in Vigan but everything about the country and its culture.

 

Reference: Come and Join the Binatbatan Festival in Ilocos Sur | Travel to the Philippines

                  Binatbatan Festival of the Arts 2019 – Vigan City