Binatbatan Festival of the Arts 2021

                 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.

                 This festival “Binatbatan” got its name from the Iluko term batbatin, or separating cotton balls from the seeds of the local fruit tree kapas sanglay. o Features a street dancing and showdown competition wherein participants use "abel" (woven cloth) costumes and sway in their original panagbatbat dances.

                The streets were closed, people flocked in certain locations. Drums are beating loud and clear. Colorful costumes are being worn by the street dancers as they proudly proclaim "Viva Vigan!" Binatbatan festival has emerged to be one of the largest cultural gatherings up north the Philippine archipelago.  But despite of the pandemic, the traditional celebration changed. There is no street dancing competition to halt the spread of the virus.

                In line with this year's celebration of the Labor Day and the official start of the 2021 Viva Vigan Binatbatan Festival of the Arts, the City Government of Vigan through SPM Ramil Arce steered a Wreath Laying at Don Isabelo F. De Los Reyes House, Calle Crisologo, Vigan City on May 01, 2021. The said event was aired at the Official Facebook Page of the City Government and attended by several City employees and media personnel in observance of the Covid-19 Basic Health Protocols. Followed by a mass in the Simbaan a Bassit and followed by different activities. Also there was a Traditional Abel House Decor in Calle Crisologo where Bigueños showcased their creativity. Bigueños also joined the On-the-Spot Photography Competition where they captured places and products of Vigan City. 

               We may not celebrate the said festival because of the pandemic but we all know that it's for our safety. The purpose of the said of festival is to promote awareness of the value of the historic town, which was hopes to be strengthen resolve to preserve and protect this heritage site and to maintain the popularity of the whole tourism industry of the northern region, bringing in tens of thousands of local and foreign tourists curious to explore and have a “northern experience.”

References:

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

Image from:

https://images.app.goo.gl/Xc6LjNZoXAbsQisq8

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