Viva San Pablo, Viva Vigan!

Vigan is home to different festivals, and the Longganisa Festival is the kick-off of these cultural celebrations in the city. In honor of St. Paul the Apostle, the city of Vigan holds the ever-iconic Vigan City Fiesta every year on the 25th of January. Locals and tourists alike flock to the town around these times to take advantage of festivities such as street dancing, cultural shows, parades, exhibits, food fairs, and carnivals. However, because of COVID-19, we have been commemorating the cityhood anniversary and the feast day of St. Paul, our Patron Saint, differently. Although a global pandemic and a virus were raging around, the festival went off without a hitch under strict protocols and health guidelines.

It's a pity that we can't enjoy such events as freely as we could before the outbreak. But I know that the Government of Vigan implemented strict protocols and health guidelines in-line with the best interest of their fellow Bigueños and the mutual safety of all. It may not be and feel the same as past fiestas before COVID happened, but even amid the pandemic, we can still celebrate in our own homes, in our ways.

The desire to celebrate and enjoy these festivities that happen once every year is strong, but with our current situation, the possibility of life returning to normal is slim. We must prioritize our health and safety first before any happy occasions. Indeed, life has recently been challenging, and it may be disheartening to stay holed up in our homes for so long, but isn't it better to be merry during festivities when all of us are free from the shackles of COVID-19?

Image Source: https://tawidnewsmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Longganisa-Street-Dancing.jpg