Ilocos Norte vows emphasis on religion, art during prov’l fiesta

The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, through the Ilocos Norte Tourism Office (INTO) promised a month of faith and creativity as the province prepares for Ilocos Norte’s annual festival— the 2024 La Virgen Milagrosa Provincial Fiesta.

With activities ranging from mass and processions to pageants and fashion shows, the province aims to touch the potential markets of pilgrims and creatives, all while maintaining the right balance of sustaining these tourism brackets.

Mr. Xavier R. Ruiz, Ilocos Norte Tourism Officer-in-Charge hopes that through this festival, it will be able to surpass the 2023 data on tourist arrivals which generated an estimated 8.9 billion in receipts, which was 1.14% higher the year before.

“With this wide selection of activities, we will certainly be able to bring in visitors especially since we are conducting this during the summer months,” he asserted.

Mr. Ruiz also recognized the efforts of Governor Matthew J. Marcos Manotoc in helping the province boost its tourism sector through events like La Virgen Milagrosa Festival.

The much-awaited Miss Ilocos Norte pageant will also be staged during the provincial fiesta— giving women, creatives, and artisans a spotlight to exhibit what the province has to offer in the pageant and fashion scene.

“The coronation of Miss Ilocos Norte is arguably one of, if not the highlight of the provincial fiesta every year and we’re expecting everyone to participate, and as always it’s a showcase of not just Ilokano beauty and the contributions of Ilokanos who are part of the communities but also a celebration of our creatives in the province.” Mr. Ruiz said.

When asked about the newest addition to the roster of events, he confirmed the revival of the ground procession that showcases the patron saints of each municipality through a street dance together with the comeback of the light show for the first time since the pandemic.

The month-long fiesta started last April 25 and will run until May 25, 2024.