Fiesta celebration has become an integral part of the religious and cultural heritage of every town in the Philippines.

    Originally perceived by the early Spanish friars and conquistadores to attract natives to their religious fold, fiestas indeed became a successful way of converting them to the Catholic religion, thus it became a yearly festivity handed down to us the passage of time. The celebration is held on the feast day of the town's patron saint.

    Just like any other town in the country, Laoag City celebrates its annual fiesta on the 10th of February, the feast day of Saint William the Hermit, its patron saint. It is an affair which is primarily done to give honor, pay our homage and extend our thanks for the benevolence and generosity of Saint William. Through his intercession to the Lord, Laoag City has been blessed and spared from calamities and disasters. The Laoagueños await for and look forward to every celebration of the city fiesta, making it an extension of the fun and the frolics of the Christmas season.

    As early as the first week of January, preparations start for the festivity. All government offices, national as well as local, all non-governmental organizations, people's organizations, the religious and business sectors are tapped to actively participate in the different planned activities. Given special participation are our "kailians" who are now residing abroad, particularly those in Hawaii, Mainland U.S.A. and even those overseas workers who wish to come home and celebrate with us.

    Merry-makings begin days before the Feast Day. The City Fiesta officially starts with a Civic and Military Parade and the opening of the Agro-Industrial Fair, among others. Matinees are held in the afternoon at the City Amphitheater sponsored and coordinated by Laoag City DECS. These matinee shows are venues where pupils/students manifest the Ilocano culture and spirit through songs and dances. Evening affairs are sponsored and taken cared of by different groups... Association of Barangay Councils, the City Government, the NGO, the Balikbayans, to just name a few.

    The highlights of the celebration are varied. People flock the City Amphitheater to witness the search for Miss Laoag City, they line up the streets to view the floral parade on the 9th of February and the Dance Parade on the 10th. Floats became more elaborate with more significant themes. Students, barangay and city officials, employees and even the private sector join in the floral parade. And the number of participating floats increases yearly.

    Not to be outdone is the Carnival Fair which occupies the riverbed protion of the mighty Padsan River, just below the Marcos Bridge. This is an attraction not only for kids but also for fun-loving adults. They go and see the Circus, to have joyride on the caterpillar, ferries wheel, merry-go-round, octopus and others.