Origin of La Union - Phil. Popular Culture

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Origin of La Union

La Unión, "The Union" in English, was formed in 1850 when the Spanish colonial government of
Governor-General Antonio Maria Blanco merged the three southern towns of Ilocos Sur province, the
nine northern towns of Pangasinan, and eight western towns of Benguet to the east (Eastern Pais del
Igorotes in the Cordilleras). Pangasinans were the majority in the new province because most towns had
been in the province of Pangasinan.
On October 29, 1849, Governor General Claveria issued a promovido to fuse the Pangasinan-Ilocos-
Cordillera areas into La Union. On March 2, 1850, Governor General Antonio Maria Blanco signed the
Superior Decreto of La Union (34th province from Cebu-1565), with Captain Toribio Ruiz de la Escalera
as the first Gobernador Military y Politico. Isabella II of Spain decreed the province's creation on April 18,
1854.

Traditions and Cultures:

Bain

- is the Ilocano trait for hiya or amor propio(sense of shame). Ilocanos fear of gossip and would
strongly avoid being envied by others. It is essential to show panagdayaw (respect for the
sensitives of others). Ilocanos tend to speak about themselves in the humblest of terms.

Wedding Tradition

- The groom makes a panagpudno (formal announcement) to the soon-to-be-bride’s parents


about his intention of marrying their daughter. His parents will then visit the bride’s parents to
set the wedding date. Usually, parents consult a planetario, which is like an almanac that
identifies “lucky” days. Another highlight of the feast is the bitor wherein guest contribute cash
to the newly weds either by dropping money onto the plates or by pinning bills to the couple’s
clothes.

Death Tradition

- To announce a death of a family member, a piece of atong wood is lit in front of the deceased;s
house. It is kept burning until after the burial. The fire us extinguished with white wine. Before
the funeral, relatives pay respect by kissing the deceased’s hand or raising it to his/her
forehead(mano). Those who attended the burial in the cemetery must return to the deceased’s
home by taking a different route from the one they’ve taken to get there. Upon arrival they
must wast their faces and hands. It is saif to remove the power of death.

Pamulinawen Festival, Laoag City, February 10

- A floral parade and street dancing festival.

Guling-Guling Festival, Paoay, Eve of Ash Wednesday

- Residentts, dressed in their Ilocano costume adorned with antique jewelries, danceaand sing
around town while being blessed with the Sign of the Cross using pounded rice instead of gray
ash.
December Festival, Laoag City

- Highlighted by the lantern parade and décor competition ending in the Palarong Pamasko.

Farmer’s Festival, Bacarra

- This festival highlights a street dance parade participated by dressed up farmers with their
products, agro-industrial, trade fair, contest of the biggest farm harvest and livestock and
“pinaka” contests of agro products.

Magdadaran: Talip Festival, Adams & Carassi

- In tribute of the ancient peace pact that has brought lasting peace between and among ethnic
tribes in the province of Ilocos Norte. This also aims to cultivate and highlight their rich culture,
customs and indigenous traditions. Is also celebrated to enhance fellowship and stronger ties.

Sinait Garlic Festival

- It happens during the 1st to 3rd of May that showcase the talent, ingenuity and hardwork trait of
Ilocano

Viva Vigan Festival

- Every first week of May, Vigan featuring painting and product exhibits, a Calesa parade, and
other cultural activities.

Longaniza Festival

- Held every January 22 features the “longest Longaniza” with the hope of entering to the Guiness
Book of Records as the longest Longaniza of the world.

Pinakbet Festival, Ilocos Sur

- A festival celebrating a favorite dish of the Ilocanos, “pinakbet” featuring street dances, cooking
competitions.

Tabako Festival, Ilocos Sur

- Celebrated every last week of March in Candon City, as thanksgiving for the city’s bountiful
harvest of tobacco.

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