By Freddie G. Lazaro
VIGAN CITY — Thousands of
tourists, and residents crowded the parade route of the famed heritage city of
Vigan during the second day of the “Raniag” Vigan City Twilight Festival night
of Oct. 27.
Vigan City Mayor Eva Marie S.
Medina said she was elated with the result of this year’s festival, in which
the street-dancing event was also participated in by eight groups complete with
costumes.
“This year’s festival started
Oct. 26, until Nov. 3, with various exciting events and activities,’’ Medina
said.
Among the events included the
parade of floats, arroscaldohan, and battle of the bands; Halloween costumes,
fun run and trick or treat; candle floater offering at Meztizo River; flight of
sky lantern and Halloween parties in Vigan.
On October 2010, the Vigan
government launched the “Raniag” Vigan City Twilight Festival in consonance
with the celebration of Halloween.
She also said that Halloween,
“Undas,” “Todos los Santos” – words synonymous to All Saints and All Souls
Days; “Fiesta tiNatay’ (Feast of the dead) is how it is called in the Ilocos;
but, whatever term is used by various regions and cultures, the essence of this
is remembering our dear departed in prayers and in many other ways.
It is also thanking God for
the gift of life and imploring His mercy for us, the Living.
Medina said that Vigan City, a
UNESCO world heritage management awardee, remembers their departed loved ones
through “Raniag,” which means light in Ilokano.
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