The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) led the retro horror-themed Halloween celebration in the province through the annual “Semana ti Ar-aria Festival.”
“Semana ti Ar-aria is an [Ilokano] tradition but it seems every year, lumalaki at gumaganda,” Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc remarked as he led the Parada Iloca-locana on November 3.
This year’s “Semana ti Ar-aria” features various festivities, commencing with the 13th Lilia Cuntapay Short Horror Film Ar-aria Movie Drive-In at the Ferdinand Edralin Marcos Memorial Stadium complex, showing works of amateur Ilokano filmmakers. “Ishang” by Kwentong Tanglaw bagged the best picture award, while “Good Job” by CineYloco and “Saankami Nailisi” by Hulma Productions won the second and third best picture, respectively.
A car and motor show was also held at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena, drawing in car and motor enthusiasts who showcased their captivating automobiles while providing local merchants with a market for their products.
Moreover, PGIN employees and private establishments around the capitol welcomed thousands of children and parents for the “Ilocos Norte Halloween Trick-or-Treat.”
The “Parada Iloca-locana” highlighted the celebration through a parade and a street dancing activity by government employees and public servants donning their costumes, featuring retro horror movie characters, namely Addams Family, Friday the 13th, Children of the Corn, and Child’s Play, among others.
The Office of the Provincial Governor, Provincial Administrator’s Office, Provincial Planning and Development Office, Legal Office, Human Resources Office Provincial, and Information Technology Office, won the PGIN dance and costume competition, with their Addams Family-inspired performance. Meanwhile, the Provincial Engineering Office, Ilocos Norte Provincial Jail, and the Sports Development Office won the best float competition.
Thousands of locals and visitors attended the annual bash, which started in 2011 as a bigger celebration of Ilokano traditions of remembering the dead.
(Source: Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte – Communications & Media Office)