PANAG-APOY
Panag-apoy (a celebration of fire) is a tradition Sagada observed every 1st day of November. Started only during the 1900s when the Christians introduced the celebration of All Saints Day to the native Igorot. It is sort of a blending of both Christian tradition and Igorot tradition. Christians light candles to their dead while Igorots burn firewood to light and warm their dearly departed.
On my own account.
I noticed a thick smoke bellowing over at the cemetery near the Echo Valley from my room window at the guesshouse. It was 4:30 PM. The sun was just setting. I saw people rushing over to the place. I followed the growing crowd making their way to the cemetery. Many were carrying bundle of fire woods. A wood called Saleng.
Salengs are mainly pine and are preferred to use because it burns quickly.
Dante's Inferno?
I saw glimpses of glowing fire behind the pine trees ahead. It has gotten more intense and surreal as I got closer to the cemetery. A scene straight out of Dante’s Inferno greeted me!
Sagada On Fire!
I have read about this ‘Sagada On Fire!’ from a magazine a few years back and have wanted to see it for myself. After putting it off so many times, I finally got to see it.
I have read about this ‘Sagada On Fire!’ from a magazine a few years back and have wanted to see it for myself. After putting it off so many times, I finally got to see it.
This tradition is unique only to Sagada. The tradition remains intact for the most part but it has changed in many aspects. The once solemn tradition has become an spectacle of some sort. A showcase for tourists and the media. I saw major TV networks crew on the ground. Photographers, like me (guilty), were on the hunt for that perfect shot, often, just a few inches away from someone's face, shooting at them, definitely invading their privacy.
Now A Tourist Attraction
Some locals may find this very discomforting but many choose to ignore as they see the benefits it brings to their community. Their town has gained so much popularity over the past years because of events such as these. It has brought in buses of tourists to the local economy.
Some locals may find this very discomforting but many choose to ignore as they see the benefits it brings to their community. Their town has gained so much popularity over the past years because of events such as these. It has brought in buses of tourists to the local economy.
Add This To Your Bucket List
Sagada is fast becoming a must-see destinations not just for the usual hanging coffins, caves, and waterfalls any more, but this spectacular tradition of burning woods during All Saints Day. Many locals and foreigners choose to come here despite being an important date for most of us - a day when we actually go visit our dearly departed at the cemetery.
Sagada is fast becoming a must-see destinations not just for the usual hanging coffins, caves, and waterfalls any more, but this spectacular tradition of burning woods during All Saints Day. Many locals and foreigners choose to come here despite being an important date for most of us - a day when we actually go visit our dearly departed at the cemetery.
One Tough Call to Make!
It is a tradition too interesting to pass on. You may want to skip your usual visits to your dearly departed every 1st day of November or All Saints Day. Instead, head up to Sagada and wonder at this fiery event so interestingly unique.
Heading off to the cemetery
Bunch of woods called saleng.
