Viva, Vigan!

Vigan City is widely recognized for its lively celebrations, with the Longganisa Festival being a highly anticipated event in northern Luzon. Beyond attracting both local and international tourists, the festival preserves and shares its rich tradition and culture through diverse activities. The festival showcases Vigan longganisa, a local version of Mexican salami known for its distinct garlicky flavor, which has gained popularity among Filipinos. During the Vigan City Fiesta, the Longganisa Festival features a themed parade and once attempted to set a record for creating the longest longganisa ever made.

Of course, the Longganisa Festival wouldn't be complete without the iconic "Street Dancing." Locals eagerly gather along the streets to watch dancers clad in traditional Filipino costumes, entertaining tourists with synchronized choreography. The festival spans from January 18 to January 27, coinciding with the Vigan Food Festival, which highlights native delicacies like "bagnet" (crispy deep-fried pork belly), "sinanglao" (beef innards stew), rice cakes, and longganisa-inspired pizza and shawarma. Additional events include Education Day on January 20, featuring a marching band competition and recognition of outstanding teachers, LGBTQIA Day on January 21, Cityhood Day on January 22 with a longganisa cookfest and street-dancing competition, and Social Services Night on January 23, featuring a motorcade and the search for Miss Social Services 2024.

                                                 INSTITUTIONAL PARADE

 

    On this sunny day, I snapped pics of the parade. Getting there was a bit of a hassle with roads blocked, forcing me to take a detour. Finally, I found my spot just in time for the Longganisa Festival parade. The vibe was unreal – drums thumping, lyres playing, flaglets and majorettes gracefully moving – the whole place was buzzing with joy. 

The Longganisa Festival really knows how to lift spirits. Teachers and a marching band joined in on the fun, making the parade a heartfelt celebration of Vigan City's culture. It was more than just a visual treat; it was a genuine experience that added a special touch to my travel memories. 

RAISE YOUR FLAG! (AND BATTONS)

     After the parade, I headed straight to Plaza Burgos for the Marching Band competition. The vibe was buzzing with excitement, especially among ISNHS supporters, and I was right there with them, cheering them on. Camera in hand, I positioned myself up front to get the best shots.

As I clicked away, I couldn't help but be captivated by the flawless coordination and impressive dance moves of the ISNHS band. Calling them amazing would be an understatement – every member brought their A-game. Smiles lit up their faces throughout the performance, blending perfectly with the elegant moves of the flaglets and majorettes, all accompanied by the rhythmic beats of lyres and drums. The whole thing was just a perfect blend. 

 I was on cloud nine, totally blown away. Unsurprisingly, ISNHS clinched the top spot, becoming the champs. I couldn't have been prouder. All their hard work paid off, and it was awesome to see them shine. Big kudos to the crew at ISNHS!

STAGE

    Later that night, there was the STAGE (Sayaw, Talento at Galing ng Educators) competition, where teachers from different schools showed off their dancing and singing skills. As a student, it was pretty surprising to see that teachers aren't just good at teaching – they've got some serious talents too. Honestly, their performance was a solid 10 out of 10, and they really went all out. 

    What made it even cooler was that it wasn't just about dancing and singing; they threw in a lesson on the history of Vigan City. It was like getting entertained and educated at the same time. Just like the Marching Band crew, the ISNHS teachers nailed it and grabbed the top spot. It just goes to show, ISNHS is a hub of talents. Big shoutout to our awesome teachers! 

LONGGANISA FESTIVAL STREET DANCING

    The Longganisa Festival is something you gotta experience – I'd recommend it to locals and tourists alike. One of the cool parts is the Street Dancing, a regular thing in Vigan City that's open for everyone to jump in and enjoy the festivities. People all over the place shouting "Viva, San Pablo" and tossing plates of longganisa. It's a blast, and you can feel the fun and cheer in the air, with smiles everywhere you look. 

    Then there's the dance competition, where participants don't just show off their moves but also bring in their culture. Their choreographies tell a story about who they are as Ilokanos. So, it's not just dancing; it's a real expression of their identity. The Longganisa Festival isn't just an event – it's a lively mix of tradition, community, and the lively vibe of the Ilokanos. 

CARNIVAL

    The Vigan City Festival just wouldn't be the same without the Carnival – it's the go-to fun spot for everyone. Packed with rides that cater to all ages, the Carnival adds a whole new level of excitement to the festivities. 

  Classic carousels spinning around, heart-pounding vikings – there's something for everyone. The carnival vibe is like an extra layer of joy, turning the festival into this awesome celebration where everyone gets to have a blast. It's not just about tradition; it's about creating memories filled with laughter and good times.

        These are just some of the Festival. It was unfortunate that I wasn't able to attend the other events.

    To sum up, Vigan City is where the party's at, especially during its awesome festival. Imagine colorful parades, crazy-good street dancing, and a carnival that's pure fun for everyone – young or not-so-young.

     But it's not just about the lively vibe; it's a journey into the heart of Ilokano culture. You'll be swept away by the Longganisa Festival, where every dance move tells a story of tradition and pride. Plus, there's a friendly competition where teachers turn into performers and even give you a history lesson – it's wild!

     And oh, did I mention the mouthwatering native delicacies like crispy bagnet and unique longganisa varieties? Yeah, your taste buds are in for a treat.

     So, if you're up for an unforgettable mix of tradition, community, and pure enjoyment, Vigan City is the place to be. Trust me, you won't regret it!

REFERENCE/S:

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Lazaro, F. (2024). 10-day Vigan City Longganisa Festival under way. Manila Bulletin. Retrieved January 29, 2024, from

    https://mb.com.ph/2024/01/20/10-day-vigan-city-longganisa-festival-under-way

Hello Travel. Longganisa Festival. Retrieved January 29, 2024, from

    https://www.hellotravel.com/events/longganisa-festival

DWRS News (2024). [Photograph]. Retrieved January 29, 2024, from

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