Viva Vigan, Binatbatan Festival of the Arts

Vigan is a culturally diverse city that hosts numerous festivals. During the previous quarters, I posted blogs on some festivities taking place in our city and province, such as the Vigan City Longganisa Festival and the Kannawidan Ylocos Festival. And despite the challenges that the pandemic has posed to Bigueños, they have been able to commemorate such historical events.

 

The Binatbatan Festival of the Arts is another annual event that the people of Vigan anticipate. It is celebrated yearly from the last week of April to the first week of May to celebrate one of the industries that kept residents alive– Abel Iloco hand-loom weaving. This festival started in 2002 to showcase this traditional weaving craft that is said to predate the arrival of the Spaniards. “Binatbatan” is the process of beating cotton pods to remove the seeds for Abel weaving. Which the locals interpreted as an occupational dance with the use of two sticks called batbat, and [Binabatan street dance] is one of the main attractions during the week-long celebrations. The city is also buzzing with activities and contests for one week, including Abel decoration and fashion, carabao painting, boklan, sports, street dance, and other recreational activities that locals and tourists alike can be part of during the lively celebration. 

 

This year's Binatbatan Festival of the Arts is likely to be more relaxed than last year's festival, which was dominated by restraints. The forthcoming festival may be enjoyed much more freely now that the COVID-19 situation in Vigan is considerably more secure and less risky than last year. We are all looking forward to a fun and safe Binatbatan festival, but let us not forget to appreciate a fusion of culture, arts, industry history, and heritage under one colorful event.

Reference: 

• https://tawidnewsmag.com/viva-vigan-binatbatan-festival-of-the-arts/
• https://tinyurl.com/2ww9cph2
• https://tinyurl.com/2p8vzyhz