Vigan Fiesta Amidst the Pandemic

Everyone here agrees that Filipinos love fiestas. The word "fiesta" will bring a smile to the face of almost any Filipino. After all, a fiesta is a special time with friends, a time for fellowship, food, and lots of activities. Vigan Fiesta is the most awaited fiesta for the biguenos every year. It is held in honour of St. Paul the Apostle, the city’s patron saint, on 25 January each year. But this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these usual activities are not advisable as these place the public at much higher risk of contracting the virus.

The Vigan City Fiesta usually lasts for several days. Biguenos from all over the country usually celebrates the fiesta with their families and friends. We are usually joined by thousands of visitors from other parts of the Philippines and other countries in enjoying the cultural shows, parades and street dancing prepared by the local government with the help of the local industries and communities. There are also food fairs, arts and crafts exhibits, as well as a visiting carnival. But because of the pandemic, we couldn't celebrate like how we usually do. We can no longer experience the traditional way in celebrating the Vigan Fiesta. The shows, parades and street dancing are no longer held and we can no longer go to any food fairs or exhibits with our family and friends due to the strict rules implemented by the government.

It is really sad that we can not celebrate and enjoy like how we used to. But the Vigan City officials found a way to celebrate. They attended a mass but they didn’t forget to follow the  implemented protocols. Even if we didn’t celebrate it like the usual way, at least the city officials made a way to celebrate it. We should understand that the we have to really avoid any gatherings for the safety of anyone. Let us all be a responsible person so that we can enjoy celebrating any occasions like how we usually do.

Reference:

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

Photos from:

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