UNIFIED TOWN: LONGGANISA FESTIVAL

Vigan City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ilocos Sur, Philippines, brings its iconic cured pork sausage to the spotlight every year with the Longganisa Festival. Held in January, this vibrant event honors not just a beloved local delicacy but also the city’s rich culinary traditions and cultural identity.

What is the Longganisa Festival?

The festival celebrates Vigan longganisa—a distinct garlicky, sour-sweet sausage made with ground pork, garlic, vinegar, salt, and native spices, wrapped in banana leaves. Unlike other Filipino longganisa varieties, it is known for its unique taste and traditional preparation methods passed down through generations of local makers.

The week-long celebration features a series of activities centered on this beloved food. Highlights include the Grand Street Parade, participants don colorful costumes inspired by the sausage and banana leaves, dancing to lively Ilocano music.

Why Celebrate This Festival? Beyond being a food fest, the event aims to promote Vigan’s culinary heritage, support local small-scale producers, and boost tourism. It highlights how a simple local product can become a symbol of community pride and economic growth. The festival also coincides with the feast of St. Paul the Apostle, Vigan’s patron saint, adding a religious and communal dimension to the celebrations.

Visitors are encouraged to explore Vigan’s historic cobblestone streets while enjoying festival activities. They can visit local markets to buy freshly made longganisa as souvenirs, join cooking workshops to learn how to make it themselves, and immerse in Ilocano culture through traditional music and dance performances.

The festival draws both local and international tourists, making it a perfect time to experience Vigan’s blend of Spanish colonial architecture and Filipino heritage, all paired with the irresistible flavor of its famous sausage.