Viva Vigan! Binatbatan Festival!

   

 The Binatbatan Festival here in Vigan City was started in year 2002. This festival is connected to Vigan’s abel Iloco craft. It comes from the word batbat, a pair of bamboo stick used to separate cotton pods that come from a tall tree called kapas sanglay. Kapas sanglay tree bears fruits that dries up at the branches of the tree itself then just falls off after the fruit splits by itself exposing the seed-filled cottons inside. The playful movements of this dance were created for specifically for children and represent the actions of cotton farmers as they separate the seeds from the fibers using sticks. This is to showcase this traditional weaving craft that is said to predate the arrival of the Spaniards. Viva Vigan Binatbatan Festival of the Arts is celebrated yearly from the last week of April to the first week of May. The catholic faithful also remembers on this day St. Joseph, patron saint of workers. The first-day commemoration is followed by the Binatbatan Festival celebrations, which includes a street dancing competition. 


This festival is famous, Its popularity has even benefited the whole tourism industry of the northern region, bringing in tens of thousands of local and foreign tourists curious to explore and have a “northern experience”. The festival has also succeeded in promoting other aspects of Vigan.


  Visitors are also encourage to squeeze into their six-day Viva Vigan experience the watching of the calesa parade, ramada or traditional games, comedia or stage drama, Santa Cruzan parade, abel fashion show and house decoration, singing contests and beauty pageants and other exciting events like the Amazing Heritage Race. They can also participate in religious rituals or visit exhibits, garden shows, as well as trade and food fairs. Binatbatan Festival is not merely just a festival. It depicts the rich culture and old industries of Vigan. Drums are beating loud and clear. Colorful costumes are being worn by the street dancers as they proudly proclaim “Viva Vigan!” 



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