Ciudad Fernandina's off the beaten path

For a tourist gem like Vigan, the perfect time to visit the place is known to be during the dry season, when its cobblestone streets and historic structures are at their warmest color. But little did you know that there is another best time to visit Vigan.

If you happen to be in Vigan City in the month of January, particularly during its third week, don't be too surprised when you come across the native longganisa everywhere, colorful floats, and a sea of crowds lining the streets. It's the time of the year when people flock to the city to celebrate Ciudad Fernandina's long-awaited fiesta. Every year the third week of January marks the celebration of the cityhood, made in honor of the conversion of the patron saint of the town, St. Paul the Apostle. The celebration is a week-long event that highlights the history, tradition, culture, and creativity of the Bigueños. 

If you are wondering what the fiesta has to give, don't worry because I've got you covered! Below are some festivities I attended which you can go to make the most of Vigan City's Fiesta.

Education Day is the first on the list of many festivities that I have attended. Hours before the climax of the event, different academic competitions took place, one of which is the Quiz Vigan encouraging the wits on Fernandine's history. The night came after when various teachers from various clusters showcased their talents. The performers' high-energy dances, self-composed songs, and creative festive routines and themes left the audience cheering and visibly awed for this year's Teachers got Talent. The event also highlighted many awards for both students and educators, including the prestigious Bigueño Teacher of the year award.


The most anticipated events are usually for the weekends. The day after Education Day is the Longganisa Festival street dancing held on the 22nd of January along with its Cookfest and Showdown. Contingents from various parts of the country display their award-winning choreography – moving together in unison as they dance to the rhythm of the thundering fast-paced drum beats and sounds chanting "San Pablo, kamang ti ili, San Pablo a katalek mi" while flashing their colorful abel costumes and attire.

Houses and shops lining the parade route will then be packed with a sea of crowds, starting in Vigan City Hall and ending up in Cafe Leona of Calle Crisologo. The day ended with a showdown at the Plaza Burgos, where every contingent thrilled the audience with performance stunts. UNP Danggay Saririt Cultural Dance Troupe was among the crowd favorites and managed to emerge victorious along with San Nicolas National High School.



Dances showcasing the production of the distinct native Longganisa are a prominent theme among the performers.

Some dances also commemorate the Feast day of St. Paul.

Aside from the vibrant street dancing, the days that came after sparked the town with exhilarating activities such as the crowning of Ms. Vigan, the Horse Race, Dancesports, and the Misa Concelebrada followed by the Grand Parade on the 25th day of January. As one of the most watched and most awaited activities, the grand parade was full of colorful floats, countless banners, and marching bands from different schools performing passionately. The contestants of the Miss Vigan 2023 also joined the parade waving to their supporters from Vigan City Hall to Quezon Avenue, up until Liberation Boulevard.  

Kuliglig and Kariton Race


Metro Vigan Dancesports


Grand Parade


Ms. Vigan Coronation Night


Cookfest

Surely, as a festival-goer, you can never go wrong with Vigan City's Fiesta. From parades, horse and chariton races, different shows and competitions, to food festivals, the Ciudad Fernandina indeed has a lot to offer. It is truly one of the many hidden gems of the city, worthy of visit and experience, especially its iconic wild chants of, 

"Naragsak, Narambak a panagfiesta ti Ciudad a Vigan!"


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