LAOAG CITY— Ilocanos in this northern part of the Philippines have started to celebrate the Halloween bash as the different local government units here and their private partners initiated fun activities starting today.
In Laoag City, a Halloween-inspired food strip kicked off Monday beside the Dap-ayan food park to attract more tourists and visitors. Participated in by small and medium entrepreneurs, each stall showcases unique food products from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The food strip will run from October 23 to November 2. Organized by the Ilocos Norte government through its Provincial Tourism Office, the Semana ti Ar-aria Festival (Halloween bash) is now running for six years with thousands of followers mostly among youth and children.
Highlighting the province’s unique tradition of remembering the dead, the Halloween fest has expanded into a repository of Ilocano creativity. Ilocanos will also be treated to a scary film fare on October 25 as the ‘Ar-aria Short Horror Film Festival’ is once again showcasing the creativity of the Ilocano youth.
In Batac City, the Fiesta Marmarna trick or treat is also expected to draw thousands of Ilocanos on October 27 at the city hall.
As Ilocos children are also on a semestral break, they are also invited to participate in the Capitol trick or treat on October 28.
To add fanfare to the event, the kids will dress up in scary and revolting characters as they search for surprise freebies at the Capitol offices.
Meanwhile, the ‘Taray ti Ar-Aria’ (Zombie Night Run) comes back on October 29 and will be bringing Ilocanos on their feet as participants escape a relentless horde of zombies while crossing horrifying courses and obstacles.
On October 31, festival-goers will witness a parade of ghosts at the Laoag downtown for a thrilling entertainment.
According to Provincial Tourism Officer Ianree Raquel, Ilocos Norte’s ultimate Halloween experience will culminate in Paoay town with its Tumba Festival, a unique tradition of Paoay residents to honor their departed loved ones. (PNA)
