Binatbatan Festival of the Arts: A Tapestry of Culture and Arts Woven by Miracle

Binatbatan Festival has been a huge celebration since it was founded years ago. It portrays the rich culture and the arts of the Ilocanos specifically those living in the Ilocos.

Binatbatan certainly means the process of beating cotton pods to remove the seeds for Abel weaving. It has been an industry to the locals of Ilocos and has been interpreted to become an occupational dance during the festivals. Now it has its own large festival celebrated every first week of May every year.

This year has been the second year Binatbatan Festival was celebrated during the covid 19 pandemic. This has been a bigger celebration that that of last year’s. More people were allowed to join and watch the parades and all other activities. There were more tourists who came and celebrated with the locals.

For me, this year’s Binatbatan Festival has renewed the culture of the Ilocanos. The excitement of the people has been renewed like it was recharged for the longest time. A lot came out the streets to watch and participate. Even though health protocols were still observed, people still flocked to the venues of all the activities of the festival like they have missed the chance in a lifetime.

Truly Filipinos are creative. Filipinos are artistic. Filipinos are resilient. No pandemic can move the Filipinos.  As we always say to whatever comes line the covid pandemic “covid ka lang, Pinoy kami.”

Source: http://www.ilocandiatreasures.com/2010/08/viva-vigan-binatbatan-festival-of-arts.html