Vigan City Fiesta and Longganisa

Festival 2024
Being famous for its architecture aquired during the Spanish era of
colonization, Vigan, the capital of Ilocos Sur, is also renowed for its
spicy meat dishes. Still, it is also known for its longganisa which is a local kind of
salami. The dish is made in accordance with a century-old tradition and has a truly
unique taste. Although there were several tries to replicate the combination of sliced
spicy meat, sugarcane vinegar, and garlic, no one can compete with local chefs.

In a country where practically every region has a signature bratwurst, you should expect
more than one festival celebrating this beloved delicacy. The most popular, however, is the
one in the historic city of Vigan, where it occurs every late January.
Vigan longganisa is arguably the most distinct variety as far as local sausage is concerned.
The short, plump links have a yellowish tinge and comprise garlic-seasoned pork, since the
city is also well-known for its garlic. Traditionally, it’s cooked in a pan of water, which then
evaporates to allow the hot longganisa to cook further in its fat. Its flavor is brought out
better with a saucer of Ilocos’ vinegar.
Because it is incredibly representative of Vigan’s culture, the government actively promotes
this pork sausage extensively in its tourism and commerce efforts. One of these initiatives
included the Longganisa Festival, which began over a decade ago. Its date coincides with
the city’s anniversary and the feast day of St. Paul, the area’s patron saint.
Like most Philippine fiestas, the Vigan Longganisa Festival is a display of street fairs and
dances, culinary contests, eating, and pageantry. Choreography would feature the
longganisa on bilaos or native platters. Secular activities meet religious ones, too. City
residents commemorate St. Paul in many events; his statue or image typically fronts the
spectacle or is highlighted in costumes. The colorful performances and street parades take
tourists around the UNESCO World Heritage Site, promoting not just its beloved product
but also its world-famous history.
The last full-fledged Vigan Longganisa Festival in 2019 also included an Agriculture Day, an
LGBTQ Day, which includes an alay gupit (where haircutters from the community offer free
haircuts), a dancesport contest, and talent shows. The highlight however is, of course, the
copious consumption of all the different ways you can enjoy Vigan longganisa, which is
available in shops, restaurants, and even gracious homes that welcome tourists.
Amid the current context and sanitation protocols, there have been no specific updates
about the Longganisa Festival. Fortunately, thanks to the city government’s longstanding
and aggressive promotion of its signature sausage, it’s become much easier for tourists to
enjoy this delicious specialty anywhere.
In late January, the Vigan celebrates City Fiesta and Longganisa Festival is included
in the festive program. It's normally celebrated around January 22nd to January 25th
—the dates vary from year to year. During the festival, every tourist has a chance to
try authentic longganisa from Vigan. Usually, local people eat salami for breakfast but
the food itself is too good to be eaten during the morning hours only.