Viva San Pablo, Viva "Biga"!!

     One of the oldest towns in the Philippines, Vigan is a Spanish Colonial fairy tale of dark-wood mansions, cobblestone streets and clattering kalesa (horse-drawn carriages). In fact, it is the finest surviving example of a Spanish Colonial town in Asia and a Unesco World Heritage site. Being famous for its architecture aquired during the Spanish era of colonization, Vigan, the capital of Ilocos Sur, is also renowed for its spicy meat dishes and it is also known for its longganisa which is a local kind of salami. The dish is made in accordance with a century-old tradition and has a truly unique taste. Although there were several tries to replicate the combination of sliced spicy meat, sugarcane vinegar, and garlic, no one can compete with local chefs. In late January, the Vigan celebrates City Fiesta and Longganisa Festival is included in the festive program. It's normally celebrated around January 22nd to January 25th—the dates vary from year to year. 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. During the festival, every tourist has a chance to try authentic longganisa from Vigan. Usually, local people eat salami for breakfast but the food itself is too good to be eaten during the morning hours only.

MARCHING BAND SECONDARY LEVEL! 

     The band members performing and doing their best to make an outstanding performance. The band members, dressed in their beautiful uniforms, and are in perfect formations. They are playing their instruments with skill and precision, creating a beautiful melody that fills the air. The band members are showcasing their talent and dedication as they perform beautiful formations, making the performance visually captivating. The audience is watching with admiration and clapping along to the beat.

MACHING BAND ELEMENTARY LEVEL! 

     

     The band members, young and full of energy, are proudly showcasing their musical talents, they are dressed in their adorable uniforms, which are designed to match their youthful spirit. Each band member is holding their instrument with great concentration and focus. Despite their young age, they are playing in harmony, creating a delightful melody that resonates through the air. The drummers, with their small but mighty drums, provide a rhythmic foundation for the rest of the band. The band members are marching in sync, following the guidance of their dedicated band majorette, their smiles and expressions reflect their passion and excitement for performing. 

STREET DANCING CATEGORY! 

     You can see the energetic and colorful street dancing performance of the Longanisa festival. The performers, dressed in traditional and eye-catching costumes, showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Vigan City. They move their bodies gracefully swaying and their feet tapping to the rhythm of the music. Each dancer filled with joy and excitement as they execute intricate dance steps and elaborate formations. The vibrant colors of their costumes, designed with intricate patterns and embellishments, add a touch of vibrancy to the scene, the crowd, consisting of locals and tourists, cheer and clap along, enjoying the spectacle of their performance.

SHOWDOWN CATEGORY! 

     In this picture you can witness the electrifying atmosphere of the Longanisa festival showdown dancing performance. The stage is designed with vibrant lights, creating a mesmerizing view. The dancers, filled with energy and passion, showcasing their impressive skills and choreography. Their movements are dynamic and perfect, as they execute perfect formations and synchronized steps. The air is filled with the beats of lively music, enhancing the excitement in the crowd. The dancers' costumes are the reflection of the festival's vibrant spirit, designed with bright colors and beautiful details that catch the eyes of the audience, their expressions exude confidence and joy, as they pour their hearts into the performance.

      The celebration were truly a sight to behold, with lovely colors, lively music, and an atmosphere filled with infectious energy. Streets were designed with beautiful decorations, showcasing the rich heritage of the Vigan City. The aroma of sizzling longanisa wafted through the air, tempting passersby to indulge in this mouthwatering treat. The locals, dressed in their traditional costumes, radiated a sense of pride and joy as they showcased their culture and culinary traditions. During this festival, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the local traditions and customs. I witnessed awe-inspiring parades featuring beautifully and gracefully performance of marching band as they follow their majorette who's dancing gracefully. Each marching band group depicted a unique aspect of Vigan's history and culture, adding a touch of enchantment to the festivities. The sound of drums and trumpets filled the air as performers dressed in vibrant costumes danced along the streets, captivating the audience with their grace and skill. I was also amazed by the level of detail and the performance of street dancers and in the showdown category, the dancers did their best and dance gracefully that make the audience, me and my friends clap and cheer for them, their performance really make the festival perfect, from their beautiful costumes into their perfect performances are excellent and so so so good, they did make my eyes stick to them. Witnessing the Longanisa Festival in Vigan City was a journey of cultural immersion and exploration. The festival served as a testament to the rich heritage and vibrant traditions of the city. From the spectacular parades and exhibitions to the mouthwatering longanisa, it was an experience that left a lasting impression on my heart. The warmth and hospitality of the locals, coupled with their genuine pride in their cultural roots, made this a truly unforgettable adventure. VIVA VIGAN!!! 

Reference:

  Dela Cruz, Rejean. 2023. Vigan City Here & There Retrieve from https://blogger.com