"This time, it's a team. The image of Sto Cristo Milagroso de Vigan was placed behind the middle of a temporary altar that was especially set up for today's use. The altar was on a platform accentuated by ornamental plants."

Tres de Mayo is an iconic day in Vigan. It's actually a religious fiesta that's celebrated by the Bigueños every 3rd day of May. In 1882, a deadly cholera epidemic engulfed the residents of Vigan. Bigueños believe that the epidemic ceased through the intercession of Apo Lakay (the Miraculous Santo Cristo de Vigan). Since then, the people of Vigan celebrated the Tres de Mayo to honor Apo Lakay. 'Lakay' in Ilocano means old man or male elder. The word 'apo' is usually said before a certain noun to show respect. However, in the context of Bigueño culture's Tres de Mayo, Apo Lakay refers to the Santo Cristo Milagroso.

[VIGAN] ▬ Tres de Mayo Holy Mass
Photo Taken by Edmar Guquib on 03 May 2016
in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines

[VIGAN] ► HELLO! WELCOME TO VIGAN!

The Miraculous Santo Cristo de Vigan is enshrined in Simbaan a Bassit. The fiesta starts with a holy mass in front of Simbaan a Bassit in honor of Apo Lakay.

To witness this event, I woke up early. Seriously, I didn't take a bath. Worse, I didn't even wash my mouth or wash my face. I was rushing.

I knew I am already late and I would not want to miss this opportunity again. I've been wanting to witness the Tres de Mayo mass every year but I've never done it.

Actually, I want to take photos of the holy mass happening before sunrise so I really have to be there very early.

[VIGAN] ► THE SCENE THAT WELCOMED ME: VIGAN'S MAIN ROAD IS CLOSED.

[VIGAN] ► SCENE FROM THE WEST SIDE OF SIMBAAN-A-BASSIT

[VIGAN] ► PRIESTS OFFICIATING THE HOLY MASS

The mass actually starts at 6 AM every year. The south end of Quezon Avenue was closed to traffic because traditionally, the mass happens in front of the church. The T-junction of Quezon Avenue and Liberation Boulevard served as the mass ground.

When I arrived on the mass ground, the mass has already started. I was 30 minutes late. The façade of the church (especially its espadaña) was the first one to catch my attention. The rising sun is hitting it. It had this beautiful glow that's hard to get unnoticed.

While the surrounding area is still dark, the top of the façade glows beautifully—basically due to the sunlight (sunrise). Unfortunately, I wasn't able to take a photo of that great short moment when the church is the only one being hit by the sunlight because the area was crowded and I was looking for a place where I can park. Sadly, the sun was already high when I found a parking space—the whole area was already bright. The sweet moment just passed so quickly.

It was an awkward moment when I have to bring out my camera and take photos while everyone is silently listening to the preaching of the priest. I tried to creep in the crowd until I reached a point where I'm now near the temporary altar especially made for this occasion.

[VIGAN] ► THE IMAGE OF SANTO CRISTO MILAGROSO PERCHED BEHIND THE ALTAR

[VIGAN] ► PILGRIMS AND DEVOTEES OF THE SANTO CRISTO MILAGROSO

[VIGAN] ► CHAIRS WERE SET UP IN FRONT OF THE SIMBAAN-A-BASSIT

[VIGAN] ► THE COMMUNION

[VIGAN] ► THIS PRIEST DESCENDED FROM THE ALTAR FOR THE COMMUNION.

I believe this is an important moment for the Roman Catholics here in Vigan because there was a big set of priests on the altar all wearing a cream-white dress. From afar, it seemed like they were adorned with embossed golden prints.

Usually, whenever I see masses in Vigan, there's only one priest. This time, it's a team. The image of Sto Cristo Milagroso de Vigan was placed behind the middle of a temporary altar that was especially set up for today's use. The altar was on a platform accentuated by ornamental plants. Fruits were hanging from the ceiling covered by a deep green fern-like leaves.

After a couple of minutes, everyone said "peace" then they raised their hands and sang Ama Mi (Our Father). I left the crowd after the singing and went to the other side. Fruit vendors started to appear until my friend saw me. She approached me and she was talking to me but I felt more awkward now. I didn't want to talk. I didn't know how to react. I didn't want to open my mouth. I think you know the reason why. It was so awkward. I was talking with pursed lips, ridiculous.

[VIGAN] ► A DEVOTEE RAISES HER HANDS AS SHE SINGS 'AMA MI' ON TOP OF ISIDRO BUILDING.

[VIGAN] ► THE CROWD WHILE SINGING 'AMA MI'

This mass is just the start of this fiesta and I have more to come. I'll write a separate post for each event so come back soon on this blog! I'll also write a comprehensive article about the Tres de Mayo fiesta in the future. This is just an introduction for now. | end |
____________________________
More posts related to Tres de Mayo ► |

03 MAY 2016: HOLY MASS OF TRES DE MAYO
DEVOTEES AND PILGRIMS FLOCKED IN FRONT OF THE SIMBAAN A BASSIT FOR THE HOLY MASS OF TRES DE MAYO.

[VIGAN] ► HELLO! WELCOME TO TRES DE MAYO DE VIGAN!

► FOOTNOTES, DISCLAIMERS, ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ETC

[1] This post is filed under the category "Customs and Traditions." This is a category here on my blog where I write my experiences, note down my insights and post photo essays about customs and traditions I've seen or experienced then I weave them into stories. There is a section below where you can see other related posts from this category.

[2] All maps I used on this post are the works of Eugene Alvin Villar and Mike Gonzalez published on Wikipedia. Source: 1 | 2

[3] All photos are mine.

[4] The insights, conditions and name of places or properties I mentioned here are based on the facts and situation on the day of my visit. Take note that you may have a different experience when you experience the Tres de Mayo in Vigan. Names of places and properties may also change by time.