KANNAWIDAN

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.