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Ilocos Norte showcases local mythology, creativity in Semana ti Ar-aria 2025

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Laoag City—The provincial government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) showcased local mythology and creativity in this year’s “Semana ti Ar-aria” Ilocano Halloween Festival, a week-long celebration that brought together culture, artistry, and community spirit across the province. Held in commemoration of the Day of the Dead, the festival honored the memory of departed loved ones while celebrating Ilokano heritage and tradition.

Leading this year’s festivities, Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos joined the parade dressed as "Inang Reyna" from “Encantadia,” a Filipino fantasy TV show. Provincial employees and public servants from across Ilocos Norte filled the streets in elaborate costumes inspired by Philippine folklore, bringing myth and fantasy to life through dance, music, and performance.

Araneta-Marcos expressed PGIN’s continued support for initiatives that promote Ilokano culture and creativity, stating:

“The Semana ti Ar-aria Halloween Celebration brings to life the enduring spirit of the Ilokano—our creativity, faith, and unity as one community. We, in the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, will always stand with our people in nurturing local talent, preserving our traditions, and celebrating what makes us proudly Ilokano.”

Throughout the week, Semana ti Ar-aria 2025 featured activities such as the Car and Motor Show, “Mercato ni Nanay Ces,” Halloween Trick-or-Treat, and the Ilocos Norte Short Horror Film Festival.

The festival’s highlight, the “Parada Iloca-locana,” held on October 31, 2025 transformed the streets of Laoag into a display of folklore and imagination, with participants portraying diwata (fairy), duwende (dwarf), tikbalang (werehorse), and engkanto (nymph), among others.

Now in its 14th year, the festival continues to celebrate Ilokano creativity and heritage while supporting the growth of the province’s creative industries. It provides a space for artists, performers, and local entrepreneurs to showcase their talents and innovations, bringing communities together in the spirit of culture, fun, and imagination. (Allyssa Charisse Magno, PGIN-PIO)

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