Pagburnayan is a living heritage village in Vigan, where visitors can observe and even try their hand at crafting traditional earthenware jars, known locally as burnay.

Here, guests get a chance to witness master potters at work and can also participate in hands-on pottery sessions. Although the freshly crafted jars take days to build and cook, tourists can purchase finished burnays as souvenirs that reflect traditional craftsmanship.

At Pagburnayan, clay is sourced locally and mixed with fine sand to create pliable material ready for shaping. Using a potter’s wheel, skillful artisans collaborate to mold the clay into burnay jars, which are then dried naturally and fired in traditional kilns to enhance durability and achieve their characteristic reddish-brown color.

The craft, known as pagbuburnay, dates back to pre-colonial times, influenced by Chinese traders who first recognized the quality of Vigan’s local clay. Over the years, local potters, known as manugas, have preserved these techniques, continuing to produce functional and decorative jars using time-honored methods.

The finished burnay jars are distinctive for their small openings, in contrast to the larger-mouthed jars called wangging.

Today, Pagburnayan is not just a hub for artisanal production but also an educational tourist destination where visitors can engage with the craft and culture of the region, providing a great opportunity to experience a distinct aspect of local heritage. A visit to Pagburnayan helps support local artisans and preserve Filipino heritage, offering insight into Vigan’s intangible cultural treasures.

The Pagburnayan jar factories are conveniently situated near Calle Crisologo and can be reached by walking, or via a short tricycle or kalesa ride. Pagburnayan is often integrated in typical Vigan itineraries alongside other attractions.

For a truly memorable, immersive experience of Vigan’s rich heritage, consider combining pottery visits with heritage walks, kalesa rides, and sampling local cuisine like Vigan longganisa and empanada.