Enero for Bigueños: Celebrating the Vigan City Fiesta

January is one of the most awaited months for every Bigueño. This month focuses on celebrating the city fiesta and the Longganisa Festival. It is a week-long celebration in honor of St. Paul the Apostle, a time when the streets of Vigan come alive with colorful decorations and visitors from all over who come to celebrate with us.

​Every fiesta is dedicated to honoring our history and culture. The celebration consists of many events, such as the Agri-Float Parade, marching band competitions for elementary and secondary schools, pet shows, and concerts by well-known artists. For me, the main highlight is the Longganisa Festival but not just because our school won first place, but because it also reminds us to be proud of our local products. I think that it is more than just a show but it is a show our unity and Ilocano identity.

This fiesta taught me that being part of this city is a special feeling. Seeing everyone cooperate to make the festival successful made me feel even prouder to be a Bigueño. I realized that our local traditions are gifts from our ancestors that we should always protect. I am already looking forward to next year's celebration!