Bigueños: Christmas Celebration During Pandemic 2021

 

            Christmas is the most awaited and favorite time of the year. It is celebrated to honor the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Moreover, it is the biggest and longest party of all because it is celebrated the whole “Ber-Months”. Even in early September, we are already feeling the breeze and glee on the cold yet warmhearted event. Everyone needs to make this season special and memorable. 

             Our town, Vigan City still celebrated Christmas despite of the Covid-19 threat. The Bigueños officially marks the start of Christmas season by lighting the Christmas tree in front of the City Hall and lanterns all over the street. We can also see most of the houses bright and colorful from a long distance. We are already feeling the excitement and joy for the upcoming Christmas, especially the family party and celebration in households. 

             There are also several competitions organized by the City Government with a concept “Artes Ita a Paskua 2021” such as Inter-Barangay Christmas Tree Competition, Parol Making, Street Painting and etc. to show the talent, artistry and creativity of the Bigueños. The winners of the contests were awarded and given cash prizes.

                                             Inter-Barangay Christmas Tree Competition

 Street Painting

               In the past years, before the pandemic occurred, there are usually carnivals, bargains and bazaars during Christmas season. But this time, there are limitations and we are preoccupied with guidelines and regulations. We can still be able to tour and roam around the city while still respectfully following the protocols.

 



            When I was a kid, my mom usually wakes me up early in the morning to attend the mass “Simbang Gabi”, a Filipino culture going to church at dawn starting at December 16 until the actual birth of Jesus Christ December 25 to complete the 9 masses. It is usually held in Metropolitan Cathedral, Parish of the Conversion of Saint Paul “Simbaan a Bassit” and to all barangay chapels.

            Christmas this year brought light and happiness to all Bigueños and citizens near the town. Compared to the past 2 years, we don’t get to have fun and enjoy that much outside because of the high number of covid-19 cases around the world. But now at most of the people got vaccinated and the cases are decreasing, certain restrictions had been ease, but despite that, we still all need to follow the strict protocols to continue the downfall on cases of the Covid-19 virus. Let's just hope that this improvement will continue so that the way of life now, will all be normal in the future, and celebrate Christmas like we used to before.

 

 

References:

Vigan City PH | Facebook

CGV The Explorer | Facebook 

Vigan Cathedral | Facebook

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