KANNAWIDAN
“Ylocos Festival”
Kannawidan is a festivity which the City of
Vigan celebrates every year. In this festival, the Ilocano people showcase
cultural shows, native products and the talents of the Ilocanos. Kannawidan
Ylocos Festival became an annual festival that aims to create awareness on the
preservation of the province' rich cultural heritage, practices and traditions,
and a showcase of the different agriculture and industry products of the
province.There is a need to preserve our rich heritage and unique culture. With
this in mind, the provincial government of Ilocos Sur has conceived a festival
that highlights these culture and traditions and attract local and foreign
tourists as well. Dubbed the Kannawidan Ylocos Festival, it is also a commemoration
of the anniversary of Ilocos Sur as a province. This festival is very
significant to every resident in the province as they are celebrating the
foundation of Ilocos Sur as a province by virtue of the Royal Decree signed on
February 2, 1818. Ilocos Sur especially Vigan is branded as the Heart of
Ilocandia by the Philippine Historical Committee. It’s a province very rich in
culture and heritage. Kannawidan means traditions and this province got to
showcase all what she has.
Ilocos Sur, our very own province has rich
and stunning cultures and traditions that we Ilocanos must be proud of. In
order to showcase these, we have important festive just to exhibit and promote
products of ours and precious cultures of Ilocano’s to attract and invite
tourists to come and visit Ilocos. One of these is the Kannawidan Ylocos
Festival which is a week-long festive of happiness for local and foreign
tourists as more entertaining events are included in the celebration; the
Kannawidan Ylocos Festival had already established its identity as the prime
festival of the province
The best of Ilocos Sur’s culture, tradition
and beauty hits the limelight in the much-awaited month-long Kannawidan Ylocos
celebration 2015 kicking off January 29.
The seven-year old festival pays tribute to
Vigan City as one of the new wonder cities of the world. A concelebrated mass
followed by parade of statues of patron saints around the historic city of
Vigan ushers in the carnival with the Quirino Stadium, which is on its final
phase of its renovation as the main hub.
Products
of Ilocos Sur and from nearby provinces such as Ilocos Norte and the
cordilleras (Benguet, Apayao, Ifugao,
Mt. Province and Nueva Vizcaya) will be exhibited in the trade fair highlighted
by the “longanisa” eating contest and cooking competition.
Among the most highly anticipated events on January
29 are “Saniata ti Ylocos,” or local beauty pageant contest, and the giving out
of father Jose Burgos achievement awards that will honour the province’s
outstanding daughters and sons in the Philippines and abroad. Also on tap are
cultural and motor shows, talent searches and the competitions in practical
shooting, mixed Martials arts and running. For nightcaps, there will be shows
dished out by mostly manila-based entertainers and artists.
These include traditional tribal rituals,
choir and glee club competition, marching band contest, traditional music
ensemble, dance drama, traditional and folk dances, contemporary dance
competition and street dancing showdown. These events aimed to encourage young Ilocano’s
to learn these indigenous songs and dances for sustainability and preservation.
Another important event is the Partuat ken Patanor Trade and Agri Fair.
Officials from the trade and agri fair displayed all products from the different
towns of the Ilocos Sur and its nearby provinces. The annual “Pinaka Contest”
was also held to give citations the local farmers’ extraordinary farm and
fishery products and livestock.
This Kannawidan Ylocos Festival aims to create awareness on
the preservation of the province’ rich cultural heritage, practices and
traditions, and a showcase of the different agriculture and industry products.
We, Ilocano’s should all be proud of with this because we are having this for
tourists to appreciate our rich culture. Moreover, let us all preserve these
cultures for next generations and this will serve as our trademark as an
Ilocano.