Binatbatan Festival Of Arts, Creating Miracle From The Start

 


Going back to where it all started, and to the story as to how a festival became a miracle that saved the residents back in the days. Viva Vigan Binatbatan Festival of the Arts celebrated from the last week of April to the first week of May. Streets were closed, and people gathered in certain locations. Music and the loud banging of drums, accompanied by the cheers of people, along with the colorful costumes of dancers that shouts “Viva Vigan!”, this is how locals tell that the awaited Binatbatan Festival has officially began for this year once again, just how it does every year.


          Binatbatan Festival is a time where the locals gather together and create an unforgettable experience for everyone, be it residents or foreigners that came about. Colorful designs in shops, as well as hand-made products are sold and seen in every place in Vigan. Locals are always ready to show their skills in handicraft, as well as show their culture and traditions through these crafts. It is a way for the people to show the beliefs and culture they carry, and to preserve and bring back the past. It is a way to remember the root of this festival, to remember how the place came to be. Wearing clothes made from Abel Iloko, a woven fabric endemic in the Ilocos Region, Binatbatan Festival is not merely just a festival. While it is a time for people to gather and have fun, it is also a way for them to connect to their past, as well as their town. It depicts the rich culture and old industries of Vigan. Even under the scorching hot sun, the street dancers continued to wear a smile of pride with the proudness of their hard work. That no heat can beat the burning desire and love they have to the festival. With the pandemic greatly affecting the lives of people, also comes great problem in celebrating the festival. However, with the strong character of the locals along with their strong love and desire for Vigan, this didn’t stop them from celebrating the said festival. Even with the limits in their actions and the restrictions put upon them, they still found and made ways to celebrate Binatbatan Festival amid the pandemic. While the crowd were still able to watch certain performances and activities, the health and safety precautions were kept tight. They still made the health of everyone their first priority, along with continuing the essence and vibe of the festival. The locals showed that there are no hindrance in something that you truly care and love for. They showed that even with the restrictions, something as meaningful like the Binatbatan Festival can still be kept intact even with any ongoing global problem. This is the exact characteristic of the locals that are forever seen. Their perseverance and creativity when it comes to solving problems. Their willingness to sacrifices when it comes to something they love. This is the reason for the festival, and why they can’t just let go of it. This is a remembrance of the miracle that happened in the town, and how cultures such as Able Iloco hand-weaving, people going to the cemetery chapels to continue their devotion to their Apo. Binatbatan is more than just a festival, it is a miracle, seen in the hands and culture of the people.



          The importance of the Binatbatan Festival to the locals cannot be seen or measured by the amount of work and effort they put into their performances or designs of the place. Rather, it is seen in the way they are willing to sacrifice and preserve the love and importance of this festival throughout the years. They show time and time again that a festival is more than just a festival, it is a miracle, and a chance for the people. This festival shows the indigenous culture, the hard working hands, and the lover put through from the people that came together and united with the power of their love.



References: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Costume_Festival

https://www.flickr.com/photos/blrapadas/5872921906

https://smile.cebupacificair.com/guide-philippine-festivals/

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