ILOILO – For the second successive year, the municipal government of Pavia is celebrating their annual fiesta in a simple manner amid restrictions brought about by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
“Public gatherings are still strictly prohibited,” Pavia’s Mayor Laurence Anthony “Luigi” Gorriceta told Panay News. “So mangin simple lang ang aton celebration.”
Fiesta activities, according to Gorriceta, were limited to the following:
* Pamukaw (caravan of municipal vehicles) – 4:30 a.m.
* Holy Mass – 9 a.m.
* fireworks display – 8 p.m.
There’s also a “food fest” at the public plaza, the mayor said, wherein 10 kiosks have been allowed to operate.
But no dine-ins, Gorriceta stressed.
“Bakal lang then take-out naton,” he said.
Plantitos and plantitas also get to display their products at the plaza.
With this, the mayor added, small and medium entrepreneurs can gain extra income.
He also directed the Pavia police station to monitor public compliance to minimum health protocols such as the wearing of facemasks, proper washing of hands and social distancing.
All fiesta activities will be live-streamed via Pavia’s official Facebook page – Balita Pavianhon.
May 4 is a non-working holiday for Pavia, Gorriceta said, “para mahatagan man kita chance to celebrate our annual fiesta.”
“Okay maghanda sa balay,” he added, provided the feast is limited to immediate family members only.
Visitors from other barangays or towns are prohibited, the mayor stressed.
Drinking of alcoholic beverages in public places is also not allowed.
Meanwhile, Gorriceta said the Carabao-Carroza Festival is pushing through “pero sa May 31 pa.”
It is the oldest festival in the province of Iloilo consistently celebrated every third day of the month of May since 1973.
This year is the 49th edition of the festival.
It is composed of the following events: parade of decorated carabao and carroza; carabao-carroza Race; and the pageant and coronation of the Carabao-Carroza Festival Queen.
Gorriceta said Pavianhons must continue observing minimum health protocols to curb spread of COVID-19, “especially nga naga amat-amat na nubo aton (COVID-19) cases.”/PN
