Vigan is a local region in the Philippines situated in the large island of Luzon. It is actually at the Province of Ilocus Sur region. But, what really makes the city of Vigan quite popular among the other nearby places are their very own product which is the "Vigan Longganisa".
Most people describe the Vigan Longganisa as small and plump native sausage which can be consumed within two or three bites (but I know a guy who can swallow it in one go).Unlike common sausages from the market, the Vigan Longganisa have yellowish color flavored with very tasty garlic.
Vigan's Longganisa can actually be eaten at any possible way that you choose. Aside from eating it directly, some people find it best eaten as a bread filling. Others also find it perfect for breakfast paired with fried eggs and rice. Furthermore, the taste becomes even much more better if dipped in Ilocos vinegar (especially with plenty of crushed hot chili and sliced garlic and onions).
The longganisa is cooked by boiling them first with hot water. Interestingly, the longganisa will cook by its own fats. You have to continue cooking it until the water evaporates and the longganisa becomes slightly caramelized. At some instances, they may crumble up but to prevent them from crumbling, offer them into the freezer for a few minutes before frying.
Going back into the history, Vigan's longganisa was derived from the "Mexican Salami". According to some sources, the tradition of making this native sausage had already started during the Spanish Colonization in the country.
What really makes it unique from other sausages in the Philippines is that, it features ingredients which includes the local sugar cane vinegar and Vigan's own garlic. Today, the longganisa became the major product of the city.
Vigan residents call themselves "Biguenos" where they always welcome everyone with their warm smiles into their city. In relation to their longganisa product, they are very proud of it that they had it recognized as their city's "One Town, One Project" (OTOP). And throughout the years, they always aimed to be the top producer of longganisa in the country.
The city of Vigan are already celebrating the Longganisa Festival for nearly a decade. It actually became a traditional cultural festival that are being celebrated by the Biguenos on every 25th month of January. And, there are about thousands of locals and foreign visitors that usually attends the event. Just like other festival celebrations, there's street dancing and other various activities (such as food fairs, carnivals and arts & crafts exhibits) that help promote Vigan's longganisa product.
Due to the Vigan Longganisa Festival, the sausage become well-known throughout the country and some countries abroad. Unfortunately, there are some fake Vigan native sausages that started to circulate around the market. Thus, to protect the integrity of Vigan's original native longganisa, the local government had issued a financial support for packaging the products. Through the improved packaging of the sausage, buyers will be able to distinguish original Vigan sausages from the fake.
When buying a Vigan Longganisa, it is important that the package or cover contains the "Seal of Quality". This assures you that the sausage had undergone the standard sanitary inspection and passed the mandated requirements of the BFAD (Bureau of Food and Drugs).
Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle
Along with the celebration of Vigan's longganisa, the event is also to honor the conversion of St. Paul the Apostle (Vigan City's own patron saint). Before his conversion, he was known as "Saul" and was a zealous persecutor of Christians. At the time when he was on his way to Damascus, Saul had a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. His encounter changed him a lot where he had endured countless challenges in spreading the word of God. Other than that, he also changed his name into "Paul".
The Metropolitan Church is Vigan's main church which is dedicated to St. Paul. It is situated at the center of Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia. Other than the church is the Catholic Educational Institution that is also dedicated to the patron which is known as the "St. Paul College of Ilocos Sur".
Moreover, the Vigan Longganisa Festival usually last for several days. Within these period of celebration is also the anniversary of the cityhood of Vigan which is commemorated on the 27th of January.
Most people describe the Vigan Longganisa as small and plump native sausage which can be consumed within two or three bites (but I know a guy who can swallow it in one go).Unlike common sausages from the market, the Vigan Longganisa have yellowish color flavored with very tasty garlic.
Vigan's Longganisa can actually be eaten at any possible way that you choose. Aside from eating it directly, some people find it best eaten as a bread filling. Others also find it perfect for breakfast paired with fried eggs and rice. Furthermore, the taste becomes even much more better if dipped in Ilocos vinegar (especially with plenty of crushed hot chili and sliced garlic and onions).
The longganisa is cooked by boiling them first with hot water. Interestingly, the longganisa will cook by its own fats. You have to continue cooking it until the water evaporates and the longganisa becomes slightly caramelized. At some instances, they may crumble up but to prevent them from crumbling, offer them into the freezer for a few minutes before frying.
History of Vigan Longganisa
Going back into the history, Vigan's longganisa was derived from the "Mexican Salami". According to some sources, the tradition of making this native sausage had already started during the Spanish Colonization in the country.
What really makes it unique from other sausages in the Philippines is that, it features ingredients which includes the local sugar cane vinegar and Vigan's own garlic. Today, the longganisa became the major product of the city.
Vigan residents call themselves "Biguenos" where they always welcome everyone with their warm smiles into their city. In relation to their longganisa product, they are very proud of it that they had it recognized as their city's "One Town, One Project" (OTOP). And throughout the years, they always aimed to be the top producer of longganisa in the country.
Celebrating the Longganisa Festival
The city of Vigan are already celebrating the Longganisa Festival for nearly a decade. It actually became a traditional cultural festival that are being celebrated by the Biguenos on every 25th month of January. And, there are about thousands of locals and foreign visitors that usually attends the event. Just like other festival celebrations, there's street dancing and other various activities (such as food fairs, carnivals and arts & crafts exhibits) that help promote Vigan's longganisa product.
Due to the Vigan Longganisa Festival, the sausage become well-known throughout the country and some countries abroad. Unfortunately, there are some fake Vigan native sausages that started to circulate around the market. Thus, to protect the integrity of Vigan's original native longganisa, the local government had issued a financial support for packaging the products. Through the improved packaging of the sausage, buyers will be able to distinguish original Vigan sausages from the fake.
When buying a Vigan Longganisa, it is important that the package or cover contains the "Seal of Quality". This assures you that the sausage had undergone the standard sanitary inspection and passed the mandated requirements of the BFAD (Bureau of Food and Drugs).
Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle
Along with the celebration of Vigan's longganisa, the event is also to honor the conversion of St. Paul the Apostle (Vigan City's own patron saint). Before his conversion, he was known as "Saul" and was a zealous persecutor of Christians. At the time when he was on his way to Damascus, Saul had a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. His encounter changed him a lot where he had endured countless challenges in spreading the word of God. Other than that, he also changed his name into "Paul".
The Metropolitan Church is Vigan's main church which is dedicated to St. Paul. It is situated at the center of Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia. Other than the church is the Catholic Educational Institution that is also dedicated to the patron which is known as the "St. Paul College of Ilocos Sur".
Moreover, the Vigan Longganisa Festival usually last for several days. Within these period of celebration is also the anniversary of the cityhood of Vigan which is commemorated on the 27th of January.
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