Ilocos Norte

The 11th "Semana ti Ar-aria Festival 2022" concluded with the "Parada Iloca-locana" horror parade featuring this year's theme, "Ilokano Halloween Harvest," on November 5.

For this celebration, the facade of the provincial capitol building was decorated with wilted crops, giant scarecrows, and a life-size maze. Various offices also prepared their respective areas for the trick-or-treat event.

One of the highlights of the day was the appearance of a mime artist from Baguio City, popularly known as the "Green Soldier." Moreover, PGIN and various sponsors also prepared a costume competition for the children, wherein the winners received cash prizes and gift certificates.

In addition, employees of the provincial government and various city and municipal government units participated in the parade donning their harvest-themed costumes. The event also included a street dance competition, featuring the horrifyingly entertaining performance of representatives of local government units.

The "Semana ti Ar-aria," which ran from October 31 to November 5, 2022, also featured earlier the "Tumba Festival 2022" and the first-ever Pelikula Ilokana Film Exhibition held in the municipality of Paoay.

"We know na naranasan po natin [ang] isang historic typhoon at [ang] isang historic earthquake," Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc shared, underscoring that it has been a difficult year thus far for the province, especially with the consecutive onslaught of typhoons and massive earthquakes that devastated Ilocos Norte.

"Nonetheless, nandito po tayo to celebrate in our very own way, kasi alam po natin, walang katulad ang Ilocos Norte sa Halloween," added.

Ilocos Norte recently faced many threats, forcing people to stay and celebrate such events in their homes. Yet despite the challenges brought by the pandemic, strong typhoons, and earthquakes, the Ilokano people, once again, were able to experience the "Semana ti Ar-aria" celebrations in a face-to-face setting.