Roots with Deep Connection

 

Culture and traditions are important in our lives. Knowing our roots will help us understand more about ourselves, with culture and traditions we can show our heritage, a heritage that we are proud of. As the Heritage City, Vigan City is known as the tavern of culture and arts, a place where the Ilocano people can live together in solidarity and festivity. One of the most prominent festivals celebrated in Vigan City is the Binatbatan Festival.

            The Viva Vigan Binatbatan Festival of the Arts is celebrated from the last week of April to the first week of May. Celebrated with pride to show our culture, with parades and street dancing competitions, it is truly a very important festival celebrated by the Biguennos. This festival was created to promote and preserve the abel iloco industry of the city. Abel is a type of hand-crafted clothing made of yarns of cotton. The process of separating the cotton pods and the seeds is called Binatbatan, hence the name of the festival. Tracing the history of the Binatbatan Festival. It started on May 3, 1983, because of an epidemic that killed almost a thousand residents. The locals were alarmed by the epidemic so they went to consolidate Dr. Evaristo Abaya, a parish priest for the visit of Santo Milagroso of Sinait. After a couple of days of the novena, the epidemic stopped. All of the people shouted victory and to God be all the glory for the miracle he hath provided. In honor of this miracle, the residents conducted a mass in honor of who they call “Apo Lakay”, until this very day the people of Vigan City still commemorate the miracle that happened a century ago.

            This is a great example of our situation now, as we are suffering from a pandemic. This challenge that causes a lot of trouble in our lives is the very reason why we are standing strong. The epidemic that caused a lot to suffer in 1893 paved the way for a tradition we uphold to this day. Our faith and love for God made an end to all suffering. At the same time, we are giving thanks to him for all the love and mercy he has shown us. The pandemic we are experiencing right now will pass if we continue to strengthen our faith in God. Having deep ties with our culture and traditions helps us to overcome the countless challenges life has to bring, so we must continue to preserve these for the future generation.

References:

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