Vigan City Fiesta : Arising from the History to the Greatest and Famous Culture of Vigan and it's Celebrated Fiesta's

Hey dear tourist!

Get ready to dive into the wildest fiesta you've ever imagined in our loveable town! In this journey I will be your "The Amazing Tourist Guide!" Our festival is a riot of colors, a symphony of beats, and a carnival of pure, unadulterated FUN. Imagine a world where happiness is the currency, and the dance floor is your playground. So, buckle up, because you're about to be swept away on a rollercoaster of vibes, where every moment is a burst of flamboyant, and every beat is an invitation to let loose and dance like no one's watching. Welcome to the ultimate playground of excitement, let's paint this town with the most vibrant shades of celebration!

Vigan City

A city that radiates nostalgia is called Vigan, and it is tucked away in the center of the Philippines. There is a distinct historical aura to the city, and the sounds of the past may be heard around every corner as you walk down its cobblestone streets. A thriving example of the country's vast cultural diversity, Vigan is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Awe-inspiring visual extravaganza that captivates everyone who visits, the seamless fusion of Spanish colonial architecture with Filipino inventiveness. The Prehistoric City is not only into haven escape scenery that attracts people, also rich in plenty of tasteful delicacies and cuisines.

Tremendous homes made of dark wood, cobblestone alleys, and the sound of kalesa (horse-drawn carriages) abound in Vigan, one of the oldest cities in the Philippines. As a Unesco World Heritage site, it is, in reality, the best example of a Spanish Colonial town that has survived in Asia.

Historical Facts about Vigan;

Pre-colonial Vigan was a significant coastal commerce hub. Chinese junks crossed the Mestizo River to get to Isla de Bigan from the South China Sea long before the Spanish galleons arrived. Maritime traders arrived to trade unique merchandise from Asian nations for gold, honey, and other mountainous items originating from the Cordillera region. Chinese immigrants primarily settled in Vigan, where they intermarried with locals to create the multi-cultural Bigueño family lineage.

Captain Juan de Salcedo got the name of the city (after a misunderstanding with the people, thinking he was inquiring the name of the plants) from the Biga'a plant, which once flourished abundantly along the banks of the Mestizo River. This is the most well-known source of the city's name.

Moreover, The local tongue of the area is Ilocano. However, just as in most other parts of the nation, people in Vigan are able to communicate in both Filipino and English, thus there's unlikely to be a communication barrier while visiting.

Why don't you try to walk to the famous Vigan Street, to feel at ease the beauty of the historical Calle Crisologo. The main draw for visitors to Vigan is Calle Crisologo, which is the focal point of any tour of the city. Ancestral houses typical of medieval Spanish cities adorn both sides of this maintained street, which has cobblestone pavements and yards.

Vigan City Fiesta, DepEd Day Marching Band Competition and Foot Parade

On the 20th of January, year 2024, DepEd Day kicks-off their foot parade and marching band competition (Elementary Level) and also it's marching band exhibition (High School or Open Category Level). The spectacular parade event was joined by the teachers and also learners from across the town's vary educational institutions.

Without further ado, allow me to share some of my IN PHOTOS & VIDEOS captured by yours truly (me) in the Foot Parade and Marching Band Competition.

Marching band is a kaleidoscope of musical energy and synchronized motion, where every step resonates with the beat of the drum. It's an immersive experience that blends harmonious melodies, precise formations, and the electric buzz of performing before a cheering crowd. The camaraderie formed amid shared rehearsals and the adrenaline rush of parades or competitions make it a vibrant journey of musical expression and teamwork.

In this photo you can see the actions of the young musicians playing with their desired instruments just like snare drum which can sound through strucking with two bamboo sticks. The girl who are in the front are dancing with holding the stick to struck or to play the table lyre. I am also pleasant to see their costumes or their marching band uniform which is vibrant and cool to our eyes. As a supporter and also a tourist let me tell you a fact that when I am in my younger days I also into music which is by playing drums.

In this captured photo you can see the audience who attend in the Marching Band and Foot Parade. Each educational institutions represents their lovely school in the grand event.

Viva San Pablo, Viva Vigan! The Vigan Longganisa Festival

January 22, 2024

The Longganisa Festival is a festive event in the Philippines that honors the country's various longganisa (sausage) variants. It often includes colorful parades, street dances, and displays of various longganisa foods. This celebration celebrates not only the culinary aspect, but also the local culture and traditions related with the popular Filipino sausage. The Longganisa Festival is frequently held in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, a city famous for its historical significance. During the events, people put on spectacular street acts dressed in traditional costumes to celebrate the diverse flavors of various longganisa recipes. Cooking competitions, food markets, and cultural displays are all part of the festival, which provides an opportunity to celebrate the region's rich culinary legacy. It's a pleasant gathering that brings together locals and tourists. Longganisa Festival is the first festivity celebrated in Vigan every year which usually happens every 22nd of January, the date of the cityhood of Vigan. However, Januray 25 is the exact date of the Vigan City fiesta, also the date of the conversion of the city's patron saint, St. Paul.

Its date coincides with the city's anniversary and the feast day of St. Paul, the area's Patron Saint. The Vigan Longganisa Festival, like most other Philippine fiestas, has street fairs and dances, culinary contests, dining, and pageantry. Longganisa would be performed on bilaos or native plates. Vigan has already been celebrating the Longganisa Festival for nearly a decade. It has become a traditional cultural celebration that the Biguenos celebrate every January 25th. The event is frequently attended by thousands of locals and foreign guests. Street dancing and other activities (such as food fairs, carnivals, and arts and crafts displays) help promote Vigan's longganisa product, much as they do during other festival celebrations.

Without further ado, allow me to share some of my IN PHOTOS & VIDEOS captured by yours truly (me) in the Longganisa festival Street Dancing Competition.

During the Festival, you have the opportunity to immerse guests in a delectable celebration of culture and cuisine as a tour guide. I can say that I enjoy the colorful procession that features traditional dances, also the dancers wear comfortable traditional costume also known as inabel or abel, the costume must have the fabric that the ilocano use with holding the platter of longganisa and enjoy the original rhythm of the San Pablo upbeat music. Take them to the local markets so they can sample the variety of foods available there. There, the aroma of sizzling longganisa fills the air. Tell tales about the origins and cultural significance of longganisa in the area, and make sure they participate in interesting events like cooking classes or food competitions. Some of the iconic shout in the said event was "Viva Vigan!" or "Viva San Pablo!" to greet the fiesta event.

It is really spectacular to witness the Longganisa Festival of Vigan because it showcases the original One Town One Product of Bigueño's (people of Vigan)
the famous savoury and garlicky Longganisa! Not only that the effort of the contingents in elementary level and open category (open to all or any dance troup can join) of the choreography (unison). I also noticed the evolution on how a dancer can dance gracefully like from the elementary level to high school and college the strategy and all; really surpassed my attention. They really think, planned well the dance through their mind and heart to achieve a wonderful outcome of the dance competition and all I can say was they are really great all of them. Kudos to the hardworking choreographer, dancers, and also the school managements.

DepEd Vigan City officials, teach

Vigan City Fiesta, The Vigan Grand Parade

Tara na, tara na, tara na Fiesta na sa Vigan!

January 25th 2024

Vigan City officials, teachers, and employees dazzle along the streets of Vigan in their Abel Iloko-inspired garments during the Vigan City Fiesta Grand Parade this morning, January 25. The parade is part of the festivities commemorating the feast of the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle, the City's patron saint.

Without further ado, allow me to share some of my IN PHOTOS & VIDEOS captured by yours truly (me) in the Vigan City Fiesta The Grand Parade.

As a tourist guide for today's blog! What are my experiences in the Vigan City Grand Parade? It was really fun and it really made my day happier. There aare so many Biguenos or outlookers who are really waiting someone in the colorful floats, the people of Vigan also amazed by the officials who are in a carousel known as the kalesa in native language. As expected the grand parade is very crowded but beautiful to watch.  

The music or the Marching Band are just in time because who would've imagine a festival without a big drum and lyres, right? I also see some of my relatives who are working in the government and also some of my teachers in highschool and in elementary.

The purpose also of watching in the event cause my cousin is a musician in their school to give support and they won the marching band competition as champions my alma mater Mindoro Elementary School. For the fun event I picked and catch some giveaway candies and also things from a grocery store's float it was funny that some of the watchers brought some bags and etc. 

At night we go to the carnival to experience and enjoy the excitement of thrilling rides at the carnival which me and my cousin try to ride the Vikings . Play exciting games and I won a snack. The air is filled with the delicious smells of popcorn, cotton candy, and other delectable sweets, beckoning you to indulge your palate. Take in the lively lights, lively entertainment, and hearty laughs from both young and old, all of which combine to create a celebratory atmosphere that perfectly embodies carefree pleasure. A wonderful getaway into a world of excitement and enjoyment is promised by the carnival.

My experience overall was a rollercoaster ride of happy and warmth emotion.  It was a great journey to travel and witness the Fiestas of Vigan.

The Fiesta and Longganisa Festival blossomed like a colorful chapter in a cultural storybook right in the center of Vigan City. I volunteered to take part in this lively story of custom and celebration as a tourist. The magnificent procession filled the avenues with a rainbow of hues, each float and dance representing the proud past of the area. Enmeshed in the festive rhythm, I had a feeling of camaraderie that surpassed the distinctions between attendee and contributor. I followed the natives into the marketplaces where I was enticed by the aroma of sizzling longganisa and enjoyed the variety of flavors. These occasions evolved from being merely delectable encounters to being intricate strands in the fabric of Vigan's identity. Talking with the friendly residents revealed I came to the realization that my stay in Vigan had evolved from a simple visit into a shared experience as the festival came to a close beneath the night sky, lit by fireworks. I felt like I was part of a community that celebrated the present while honoring its history thanks to the Fiesta and Longganisa Festival. I left Vigan City not merely as a tourist but also as a participant in its enduring story, as I said goodbye to the reverberating cheers and the lingering scent of longganisa. Indeed a Naragsak nga Panagfiesta Viva Vigan Longganisa Festival!

References :

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