Information about Pagburnayan Jar Factory

Pagburnayan Jar Factory

The village of Pagburnayan in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, is home to a number of factories that use the centuries-old method of producing clay jars, known locally as burnay. Burnay jars are handcrafted by local potters who have mastered the art of kneading, molding, and baking clay, along with water and sand, to form the finished product.

The Pagburnayan Jar Factory is a renowned cultural and historical site in the Philippines. This factory is celebrated for its traditional production of burnay that are meticulously handcrafted using age-old techniques that have been passed down through generations. The factory itself contributes to the city's cultural heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into the traditional pottery-making process that has been a vital part of the local community for centuries.

Before the Spanish colonization of the Philippines in the 16th century, Chinese merchants were already trading with natives from Vigan. Eventually, a number of Chinese immigrants chose to live in Vigan, and seeing the rich natural supply of premium-grade clay in western parts of Vigan, they pioneered the craft of jar making or pagbuburnay.

This skillful trade of pottery is also said to have significance in the Japanese' preference for "ruson tsubo," which pertains to highly prized antique jars imported from Luzon back in the 16th century. Historical accounts say that the Japanese referred to Luzon as "Ruson" and that Japanese tea masters valued jars from Luzon because they were good for storing tea leaves and keeping them fresh.

Locally, burnay jars are where people store water or grains as well as the native Basi wine and bagoong, which both need fermentation. Compared with terracotta pots, which are also clay-based but are used for gardening, pagburnayan jars are considered more durable.

Over the years, the Pagburnayan Jar Factory has received various recognitions for its contribution to preserving and promoting Filipino cultural heritage. It is often featured in cultural tours and educational programs, highlighting the significance of traditional crafts in maintaining the rich history and identity of the region.

How to get there

If you're commuting from Manila, you can ride a bus to get to Pagburnayan Jar Factory. Look for a bus with direct routes to Vigan City. Pagburnayan Jar Factory is located within the city. Once in Vigan, you can hire a tricycle or horse-drawn carriage (kalesa) to go to Pagburnayan Jar Factory.

You can also take your private car and drive north from Manila via the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX). Then, take the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX). Follow the National Highway to Vigan City.

If you're coming from Laoag City, Take a bus or a minivan bound for Vigan City.
Joining an Ilocos tour or Vigan tour is hassle-free, as is visiting the Pagburnayan Jar Factory. You can also visit other Ilocos tourist spots and Vigan's top attractions. Aside from joining a guided tour, you can get here by walking or by driving to Liberation Boulevard. The two potteries are located at the end of the boulevard near Gomez Street.

Best time to visit

It is an all-year-round destination, but if you want to explore other attractions in Vigan hassle-free, the best time to visit the Pagburnayan Jar Factory is during the dry season from November to April.

The last week of April to the first week of May highlights the Viva Vigan Binatbatan Festival of the Arts, which celebrates Vigan's cultural heritage with street dancing, art exhibits, and various cultural performances. Visiting during this time provides a vibrant atmosphere and a deeper cultural experience.

You can also consider visiting on the 25th of January for the Vigan City fiesta that honors St. Paul the Apostle, the patron saint of Vigan. The celebration includes parades, beauty pageants, and other festivities. It's a great time to witness local traditions and community spirit.

Visiting on weekdays is recommended if you prefer a quieter and less crowded experience. The factory can be less busy, allowing for a more personal interaction with the artisans. You can visit this attraction daily from 7 AM to 6 PM.