Reminisce the Cityhood of Vigan City

 For many of us, this time of year is a time for finding joy in the planning and celebrating of various festivals and celebrations that bring families and friends together over the winter months. With varying levels of lockdown restrictions in place across Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Wales, it is safe to assume that this year’s celebrations will be very different to those in years gone by.   

 

For some of us, the formal parts of religious festivals may change – with Places of Worship operating to different rules. For others, the informal gatherings and family traditions that accompany times of celebration will be affected.  

 Most of the religious festivals at this time of year celebrate prosperity, hope and light – and it is important that we hold onto the meaning of these celebrations all the more if we cannot mark them in the way we might have in the past.  

 

We will have to be more creative in how we join in the festivities but, in years to come, talking about how we celebrated in 2020 may well become one of our most cherished memories – precisely because we were asked to strip back and focus on the meaning. 

Try and enjoy the festivities as much as you can

While it’s natural to want to be with your loved ones in person, ensuring they are as protected as possible from coronavirus may be the greatest gift you can give this year.  

Longganisa (or Longaniza in Spanish) is a sausage similar to chorizo which is flavoured with local spices and differs considerably from region to region. In the Philippines they are typically eaten for breakfast with rice or fried eggs. The Vigan Longganisa is a fat, short little sausage which uses local garlic and sugar cane vinegar giving it a distinct flavour. The Longganisa Festival is typically celebrated in Vigan City on 22 January each year, just a few days before the Vigan City Fiesta on 25 January.

 

It’s good to keep in mind that while preparing a celebration can be a happy and exciting time for many, some people can feel under a lot of pressure to create the perfect experience for their loved ones. This can cause increased stress, anxiety and feelings of inadequacy which may be heightened this year with the additional barriers in place. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the extra demands of the season, try to balance your sense of obligation against your need for self-care.