A Celebration of Safety

  

Years ago, and epidemic killed hundreds of people which pushed the locals of Vigan to carry out a novena which lasted for nine days. Miraculously, as days passed, the number deaths decreased and on the last day there was none. This sprouted Binatbatan Festival of the arts. The Feast of the Natives, now known as Binatbatan Festival of the arts, began on May 3 , 1883 and is now celebrated every last week of April until the first week of May.

 

Former Mayor Eva S. Medina continued a campaign with a goal of promoting Vigan's culture which gave birth to Viva Vigan Festival of the Arts in 11995. Then in the year 2002, abel-iloco hand-loom weaving was celebrated through the introduction of Binatbatan Festival. Binatbatan Festival is celebrated to acknowledge and honor one of the industries that kept locals alive. The process of binatbatan, process of beating cotton pods to remove seeds, are shown through the Binatbatan street dancing showdown.

 

Binatbatan Festival of the Arts belongs to the many wonderful festivals of Vigan. It is a huge advantage to promote the municipality's local product and tourism. It does not only help in marketing but also in educating young Biguenos or tourist about the local’s livelihood and culture.

References:

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