The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) led the Halloween celebration in the province through the annual “Semana ti Ar-aria Festival,” hosting various activities for locals and visitors.
“We look forward to this week full of holidays starting today. On behalf of your Provincial Government and as your Governor, I wish you all a happy Halloween, [and] may God bless the Province of Ilocos Norte,” Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc remarked as he led the Parada Iloca-locana on October 31.
This year’s “Semana ti Ar-aria” features coastal-themed festivities, commencing with the “Ar-aria Movie Drive-In” at the Paoay Lake through the 12th Lilia Cuntapay Short Horror Film competition, showing horrifying and thrilling works of amateur Ilokano filmmakers.
The “Taray Ar-aria” was also conducted along the Currimao Seawall, inviting hundreds of participants to finish thrilling obstacle courses while evading a gang of zombies, which was made more exciting by a rock mob.
Moreover, PGIN employees welcomed thousands of children and parents dressed as pirates and sea creatures at the Capitol Building for the “Capitol Halloween Trick-or-Treat.”
The “Parada Iloca-locana” highlighted the celebration through a parade and a street dancing activity by public servants donning their costumes, featuring pirates and sea creatures, including mermaids and mermans.
In one of its highlights, Senator Imee R. Marcos, founder of the “Semana ti Ar-aria Festival,” attended the parade.
Also, the two-day conduct of the Tumba Festival of Paoay, one of the most anticipated activities during the celebration of the “Semana ti Ar-Aria,” has again been attended by thousands of Ilokanos.
Over the years, Ilocos Norte has always had a grand Halloween celebration through the “Semana ti Ar-aria” to promote Ilokano traditions of remembering the dead. – Kenneth Dhovan C. Natividad, PGIN-CMO
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