VIVA VIGAN BINATBATAN: FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

               The Binatbatan street dance is one of the main attractions during the week-long celebration, as it involves smashing cotton pods to remove the seeds for Abel weaving. Locals see this as an occupational dance employing two sticks known as "batbat." "The Binatbatan Festival can be traced back to Vigan's abel weaving business, which predates the arrival of the Spaniards in the Philippines."

               It is a dance that developed in the Philippines' Ilocos region in the northeast. The funny motions of this dance were created specifically for children and resemble the actions of cotton growers who use sticks to extract seeds from the threads.

               People congregated in designated areas after the streets were closed. The drums are beating proudly and loudly. In colorful costumes, the street dancers enthusiastically scream "Viva Vigan!" The Binatbatan festival has developed to become one of the Philippines' major cultural festivals. Binatbatan Festival is one of Vigan City's most well-known festivals. Every year, every bigueno anticipates the celebration of this holiday. An important commemoration of the Abel Iloco handloom weaving business.

 

References:

http://vigancity.gov.ph/binatbatan-festival-of-the-arts-2019-2/

https://tawidnewsmag.com/viva-vigan-binatbatan-festival-of-the-arts/