“Vigan City’s Resilient Fiesta: Celebrating St. Paul’s Conversion in the Digital Age”

 

This is one of Vigan City’s most busiest times in the year and it never ceases to amaze a lot of people with how there’s so much things for people to do. Every year on January 25, Vigan City in Ilocos Sur, Philippines, celebrates its city fiesta. This event is held in honor of the conversion of St. Paul the Apostle, the city’s patron saint. The Metropolitan Cathedral of the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle, a significant landmark in Vigan, stands at the core of the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia.

Let’s do a little bit of history. St. Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, was a zealous persecutor of early Christians. His dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, where he was struck blind by a heavenly light and heard the voice of Jesus, marked a turning point in his life and in the spread of Christianity.

In the face of the ongoing pandemic, Vigan City has creatively adapted its commemorations to the “new normal”. The city offers live-streamed services and online prayer sessions, providing a virtual space for the community to come together in faith. Local artisans and businesses have moved to online platforms, creating a virtual marketplace for traditional crafts and delicacies. But, not all has moved on to online platforms. Some chose to sell their products on a spot during the festival, while others choose both online and face-to-face marketing. This is thanks to the hard work of all the Bigueños and the combined efforts to combat COVID-19.

 The city also leverages social media to foster a sense of unity, encouraging residents to share their personal celebrations. Lastly, digital cultural exhibits highlight Vigan’s rich heritage and the historical significance of St. Paul’s Conversion. Through these adaptations, Vigan continues its vibrant Fiesta celebration while prioritizing the health and safety of the community.

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