Binatbatan: A Festival of the Arts; Cottons and Fabric

 

                Binatbatan Festival is celebrated to commemorate the abel Iloco hand-loom weaving industry. It is celebrated during the first week of the month May every year. The name of the festival is derived from the word “batbat” which means the first step of the weaving process, wherein the cotton balls are separated from the seeds by beating them with the use of two bamboo sticks for the Abel. And later on, the Ilocano folk dance is made and it is inspired by Binatbatan. Now it has evolved into the most brilliant and important festival in Biguenos, focusing on the remembrance of Apo Lakay's deliverance as well as the promotion of the local fabric, Abel Iloco. 

            There have been many changes in celebrating Binatbatan Festival in this time of pandemic. From the last few years, the celebration was different from our tradition. We are not able to make crowd and close contact with people to avoid getting and spreading the said virus. But now, the celebration of Binatbatan is quite possible this year due to the low and decreasing cases of covid-19 virus. It is now getting back to the normal world that we are used to. Vigan City is now open for Biguenos and even people or tourists from different towns to join the festival. The aim of this festival is to promote awareness of the value of the historic city of Vigan. There are many activities prepared by the city government of Vigan in celebration of Binatbatan Festival. One of these are the most famous Binatbatan Street Dancing where all the streets were closed and people flocked in certain location. There are drums and many other instruments are beating loud and producing a lively sound along with the dancers wearing colorful costumes made with Abel. They are also holding a pair of bamboo stick as their props which is used to separate cotton pads that came from a tall tree called kapas sanglay in aking the Abel. They dance along with the music and proudly proclaim “Viva Vigan Binatbatan Festival!”.  Not only the street dancing but there are also activities and contests such as the Abel Iloco Fashion Show, Competition, Kalesa Parade, Traditional Games, Santacruzan, On the Spot Photography Contest, Gigs and Concerts and many more.

            The Binatbatan Festival showcases the unique tradition and festival of the Ilocanos in Northern Luzon. It boasts the joyful colors and brought happiness to the Biguenos and tourists. Now that the pandemic are gradually disappearing and slowly getting back to normal, we should still always observed safety protocols when making contact with different people especially in crowd places.  We must wear masks or face shield and spray alcohol from time to time as much as possible. I hope for healing, happiness and peace to all the Biguenos.

References:

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