[Vigan] ► Semana Santa Procession: a Holy Week Highlight in Ilocos

VIGAN CITY ▬ Vigan is home to rich culture. No doubt about that. On a Good Friday, I made it sure to cover the procession this time. Vigan is saturated with Roman Catholic followers, a religion introduced by the Spaniards during the colonial period. The Spaniards established the city as a religious center in the north.

Thousands of people flock in Vigan every Good Friday making it the most crowded day in the year. The Semana Santa procession (or pursisyon, as called locally) starts from the Vigan Cathedral. Carroza of the sculptured replica of saints make their rounds in the city poblacion.

Disclaimer: I don't join processions like this but I usually document it so that people will become aware of the culture and practices of the places I am going.

Let us virtually tour Vigan on a Good Friday in photos.

FOOD STALLS IN THE MIDDLE OF THICK CROWD

A CALESA SQUEEZING IN THE CROWD

  CANDLES SOLD TO DEVOTEES AND PURSISYON JOINERS

THE CROWD PERSISTENTLY WAITING FOR THE START OF THE PROCESSION

FEW MINUTES BEFORE THE APPEARANCE OF THE FIRST CARROZA

THICK CROWD IN FRONT OF THE CATHEDRAL

A CARROZA PASSING IN FRONT THE ILOCOS SUR CAPITOL

The pursisyon starts at 6 PM but a crowd of procession joiners (maki-pursisyon) wait for couple of hours before the start.

The first carroza was pulled (ginuyod) by young men dressed in red. Usually, those who join the procession choose the carroza they want to follow. Some devotees help in pulling/pushing the carrozas. Those who voluntarily do the guyod are called makiguyod locally. It is a belief that they are closer to God or their sins will be forgiven if they will do such little sacrifice.

CARROZAS GETTING OUT OF THE CATHEDRAL

SCULPTURE RIDING ON A HORSE

A SET OF SCULPTURES IN ONE CARROZA

SOME DIDN'T JOIN THE PROCESSION. THEY OPTED TO WATCH IT.

A CROWD OF MAKI-PURSISYON IN FRONT OF THE PROVINCIAL CAPITOL

SCULPTURE OF CHRIST WITH 2 HUDYOS

THE PROCESSION IN QUEZON AVENUE

THE PROCESSION MAKING A TURN TO BURGOS STREET

To those who haven't seen Vigan on a Good Friday, this is how it looks like. You need to get ready squeezing in the crowd. Be sure not to bring your valuables. Although this is a religious activity, thieves and pickpockets still abound.