Fiesta in Vigan Heritage During Pandemic

Every January 25, the Vigan City Fiesta is celebrated. It is commemorated on the feast day of St. Paul the Apostle's conversion. St. Paul is Vigan City's patron saint. St. Paul was known as Saul before his conversion, and he was a fanatical persecutor of Christians. His name was changed to Paul after he had a personal encounter with Jesus Christ on his route to Damascus, and he faced many hardships and dangers in order to proclaim the gospel of God to distant lands.

Traditionally, Biguenos from all over the country and even from other nations travel to Vigan to join their family and friends in celebrating their fiesta. Thousands of visitors from all over the Philippines and other countries have come to enjoy the cultural shows, parades, and street dancing put on by the local government with the aid of local businesses and communities. There are also food fairs, arts and crafts shows, and a carnival that comes to town. Unfortunately, due to pandemic, the locals and non-locals are forbidden to attend or visit the place. 

Good thing is the City Government of Vigan, in collaboration with Maris Ti Ayat Inc., held the first-ever Pride Virtual Grand Fiesta from June 14 to 30, 2021, where a variety of activities were planned to commemorate the city's pride month and to show its continued support for the community despite the challenges created by the pandemic.  The month-long celebration started through the distribution of Abel Facemask and Pride Pins to the City employees last June 14 through the Maris Ti Ayat Inc Officers and members led by Acting President Jay Leonard Roldan.

The delivery of the Maris Gift package, which included Relief Goods and Hygiene Kit, to approximately 600 registered members of the MarTiA Inc. and 200 salon and barber shop personnel, including non-residents of Vigan, was one of the highlights of the celebration on June 21-23, 2021.

I think that this a great idea to celebrate the festival knowing that the pandemic is not yet over. I like the idea that instead of following the tradition, they gave the important things we need during this pandemic. It's so helpful and beneficial for all of us.  I'm impress on how they handle this situation and glad that they've executed this beautiful idea.

This what i love about Beguenios, you will appreciate the effort of one another to make things work. Just like this. Despite the pandemic we are going trough, they find a way to make it happen. It is not the same as before but the chance we get to celebrate our festival is so heartwarming. However, we also have to remember to be extra careful considering that the pandemic is not completely gone yet.

Lastly, i am looking forward on witnessing the wonderful celebration of Vigan City once again. The street dancing that shakes the ground, the loudness of the crowd, and everyone wearing a smile faces.  It was a good feeling to loo back on those memories. I hope that someday we will able to see these beautiful things once more!

References:https://www.vigan.ph/attractions/vigan-city-fiesta.html

http://vigancity.gov.ph/vigan-city-holds-pride-virtual-grand-fiesta/

https://primer.com.ph/tips-guides/2016/01/18/vigan-town-fiesta/