"This form of transport system has been in Vigan since the Spanish colonial era and until now, it remained present to the streets of Vigan for centuries -- and today, they own this festival."

Vigan, being a home for rich culture and intact heritage in the Philippines, it is not doubtful why many have fallen in love with this world heritage city and just this week, the Viva Vigan Festival of the Arts 2012 has just began. The first main event for this festival is the Calesa Parade [2012 version].

Vigan Calesa Parade
Calesa/s became the stars of the day. All were decorated with beautiful designs mainly depicting the rich culture and heritage of Vigan.

The calesa/s were just stunning as they take the parade route. The sun was very present this day and it can not be denied that it was hot. But I can see the enjoyment of the people watching those lovely calesa/s on a parade.


The old and the young, I can see the smile to their faces as they see those calesa/s dressed in a way that they are not used of seeing.

The city became vibrant, full of people, both the locals and tourists, travelers and visitors. Vigan turned colorful instantly and the people of Vigan has just showcased their creativity and skill on arts.

Vigan Calesa Parade

Vigan Calesa Parade

Vigan Calesa Parade

Vigan Calesa Parade

Viva Vigan Festival
Calesa is a common form of transportation in Vigan but usually, they cater for tourists who want to roam around Vigan.

This form of transport system has been in Vigan since the Spanish colonial era and until now, it remained present to the streets of Vigan for centuries -- and today, they own this festival.

Calesa with the image of Calle Crisologo has been synonymous to Vigan. Viva Vigan Festival of the Arts gave way for these horse-drawn carriages to shine even brighter even just for a day.
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Axact

EDMAR GUQUIB y DEL CASTILLO

Born and Raised in Vigan, Philippines. Hardcore Ilocano-Cordilleran. Professional Nurse on Weekdays. Coffee Addict. Travel Blogger in Between. For collaboration or partnership, email your business proposal at admin@edmaration.com.

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21 comments:

  1. first time to see a calesa that colorful. it's good that they try to innovate the once famous mode of transportation.

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  2. Sir Dong, really.. Kudos to the city government of Vigan for coming up with this.

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  3. I was supposed to try calesa ride in Vigan but we're in a hurry that time, I wasn't able to try one. :(

    Those are indeed colorful calesas, beautiful! :)

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  4. sayang, haan ko nabuya :(

    bat mababa radar ko at hindi ko nabalitaan? haha. nice post!

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  5. PinayWanderer. Aisst.. You missed one of the must tries -- though a little bit touristy and pricey, I believe it is worth a try :)

    Balik ka nalang some other time hehe :)

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  6. Ate Shawi, iba kasi kapag veteran backpacker na gaya mo, pang international ba, haha...

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  7. This is great! I remember my trip to Vigan years ago, we had fun riding the kalesas, we kept on telling the mama to go around and around just to prolong the Kalesa experience. Would love to witness this for myself.:)

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  8. I've always wanted to visit Vigan, especially yung Calle Crisologo ba yun. :D

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  9. Wow! Will we be able to witness something as awesome as this when we visit there in June? Shawi might be in Europe by then.. But just let me know if you'd still like to meet up with me. =) Would love to finally meet you Edmar! =)

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  10. RM, yeah right ;)

    Mai, June, may kalesa parin but this calesa parade only happens once a year :/

    Sure! Would love meeting up with you ;)

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  11. It's about time this traditional mode of transportation get some love (or is this a long-running festival already?). But more than the decors on the calesa, what I liked in your photos is seeing healthy horses. Most of those I see in Binondo are so gaunt; my heart bleeds for the poor animals.

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  12. Wow! I love my Calesa Tour in Vigan several years ago. I was not informed by my friends about this Calesa Parade sayang!

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  13. ajpoliquit on May 1, 2012 12:55 AM said...

    It's about time this traditional mode of transportation get some love (or is this a long-running festival already?). But more than the decors on the calesa, what I liked in your photos is seeing healthy horses. Most of those I see in Binondo are so gaunt; my heart bleeds for the poor animals.

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    Horses are well-nourished, ito ang puhunan ng mga kutsero sa kita eh, hehe

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  14. Traveler on a Shoestring on May 1, 2012 12:57 AM said...

    Wow! I love my Calesa Tour in Vigan several years ago. I was not informed by my friends about this Calesa Parade sayang!

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    Cha, you can always go back anytime... :)

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  15. looks like a fun and colorful festival of the arts! how many calesa all together participated? i like the second photo of calesa. so fun with the riders clothes being identical with the design haha

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  16. Nice to behold..
    Ive never riden one Calesa my whole life..
    though I've seen quite a few in the streets of Old Manila,
    even in Intramurous..
    Everytime I see one, I'm drawn back to a time when these are the primary modes of transport.
    nice to know that there is a festival around to highlight this. :)

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  17. This post reminds me of this particular area in Cebu where a few calesas are still being used pero I don't really like it because the horses are poorly maintained etc.

    Pero the calesas there based on your photos and description are so full of life. :)

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  18. Vigan is I think 2-3 hours away from Bacnotan in La Union right?

    I can't recall if I rode a calesa years back or I need to ride one more time but this time, in Vigan. ^_^

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  19. This parade truly entertained the onlookers.
    Great photos! you captured them perfectly making
    the design of every KALESA stood out.

    ReplyDelete

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