Ilocos Norte commences provincial fiesta celebration

The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) officially opened Ilocos Norte's La Milagrosa Provincial Fiesta on May 4, with a religious procession attended by all Catholic parishes in the province, a light show at the Provincial Capitol, and the presentation of 2024 Miss Ilocos Norte candidates.

Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc led the Ilokano community in launching the provincial fiesta, declaring that the light show dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, an annual tradition that Ilokanos look forward to.

"We celebrate our provincial fiesta in honor of our patron saint, La Virgen Milagrosa. I hope you enjoy the show, and I hope you enjoy this weekend and all of the festivities that we have in store for you, because, after all, this is your fiesta, this is for the entire 600 thousand Ilokanos," Gov. Marcos Manotoc stated.

Earlier, a thanksgiving mass was conducted at St. William Cathedral, followed by a grand procession through downtown Laoag, spotlighting the cultural richness and devout reverence for La Virgen Milagrosa, enshrined at Minor Basilica of St. Jhon the Baptist, and all patron saints across the province.

Gov. Marcos Manotoc added, "During the provincial fiesta, we remember that the very foundation of a cohesive provincial fiesta is our patron saint, La Virgen Milagrosa. We will take this opportunity to reflect, count our blessings, and express gratitude to our loved ones, as well as to look forward with renewed hope, compassion, and generosity."

The light show plays from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. with 30-minute intervals and will run from May 4 to June 2, 2024.

Meanwhile, Mr. Xavier R. Ruiz, Ilocos Norte Tourism Officer-in-Charge, emphasized that this year's festivities mark a significant return of the Provincial Fiesta.

“The launch of the La Milagrosa light show is a comeback or return. If you remember, the last time we had this was in 2019 before the pandemic, so this year, we’re returning this attraction for the month-long festivities of the province.”

He added that the choice to hold the light show at the Capitol wasn't solely influenced by its central location in the provincial capital of Laoag City. Rather, the reason for its selection was its significance as a provincial heritage structure.

Meanwhile, the presentation of Miss Ilocos Norte candidates representing 21 towns and two (2) cities in the province, which coincided with the light show, showcased their evening gowns, highlighting Ilokano traditions, customs, and artistic expressions in a captivating way that honors Ilocos Norte's heritage while celebrating beauty and elegance.

“They will not only highlight traditional aspects of beauty and talent but also place a strong emphasis on cultural representation. With this, they will introduce their candidates for the first time, in line with the light show,” Mr. Ruiz said.

Highlights of the provincial fiesta is the coronation of the new Miss Ilocos Norte on May 18 and the fluvial parade re-enacting the story of La Virgen Milagrosa on May 25.