Binatbatan Festival: Preservation of Arts, Culture and Tradition in the New Normal

 

               Why we celebrate festivals, an important occasion or any remarkable celebrations in our life? Like birthdays, anniversaries, and others that are important in our life and everyday living.

               Festivals are an expressive way to celebrate glorious heritage, arts, culture and traditions especially in this New Normal condition. These are moments and emotions in our lives with our friends, neighbors, relatives and loved ones. They play an important role to add structure to our social lives, and connect us with our families. They give us a memorable experience which we will always remember for the days in our everyday well-being. It gives us some inspiration to remember the important things, especially the preservation of our Arts, Culture and Traditions in the New Normal and for every single moments in our life. Festivals are celebrated to pass the legends, knowledge and traditions onto the next generation. Festivals serve the purpose of bringing happiness to our lives and strengthen our sense of community.

               In Vigan City, and as one of the Seven Wonder Cities of the World, “Binatbatan Festival” is always celebrated not only to bring happiness to it’s populace, but it also reminds each and every Bigueños about the preservation of their arts, culture and tradition at this New Normal condition. It also reminds each and every people in the community the “camaraderie and hospitality” that depicts a true Filipino people in the minds of everyone.

               “Binatbatan” is the process of beating cotton pods to remove seeds for Abel weaving. Which locals interpreted into an occupational dance with the used of two sticks called “batbat”. Binatbatan is a street dance, which is the main event in this festival. The festival also showcases local art of mosaicking seeds called “boklan”, Carabao painting, Kalesa parade, Spoken poetry, Santa Cruzan, Abel decors, and Fashion show. Plus a fun shoot, capturing the Vigan experience.

               Thus, this festival is in one way of remembering the arts, culture and tradition of Vigan City, Ilocos Sur at this New Normal, and it was celebrated with happiness and pride of every Bigueños.

Sources/References:                                                                                                                              Festivals, Importance of festivals, festivals around the world. Retrieved at  http://www.hattours.com/blog/festivals-2/ on April 22, 2022.                                                                  Binatbatan Festival. Retrieved at https://www.slideshare.net/nerzbaldres/binatbatan-festival on April 22, 2022.  Viva Vigan Binatbatan Festival of the Arts – generosepomelo. Retrieved at https://generosepomelo.com/2019/05/05/viva-vigan-binatbatan-festival-of-the-arts/ on April 22, 2022.                Images. Retrieved at:                                                https://www.facebook.com/vigancityph/videos/531105121994739 on April 22, 2022. https://www.flickr.com/photos/ilocosnorte/14035380896 on April 22, 2022. https://lifeseasiamagazine.com/2015/05/05/carabao-festival-may-14-15-2015-philippines-by-jackie/ on April 22, 2022.                                                                                          https://www.ivanhenares.com/2009/05/viva-vigan-binatbatan-festival-tres-de.html on April 22, 2022. https://www.edmaration.com/2016/05/vigan-tres-de-mayo-vigans-iconic-day.html on April 22, 2022. https://www.edmaration.com/2016/06/vigan-santa-cruzan-in-vigans-flores-de.html on April 22, 2022.    https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/353391901984690172/ on April 22, 2022.