The Celebration of KANNAWIDAN YLOCOS FESTIVAL

KANNAWIDAN GRAND PARADE ( SAN ILDEFONSO ENTRY)

Ilocos Sur is a beautiful province located in the northern part of Luzon. It is a province rich in culture that represents the ancient Spanish and Filipino heritage. To show and share their treasures to the whole world, the locals conceived a festival that highlights these cultural traditions and they called it the “Kannadiwan Festival”.

A festival in the Province of Ilocos Sur commemorating the separation of the two Ilocos provinces in 1818. This festival is a showcase of indigenous performances, religious rituals, as well cooking demos featuring the best of Ilocano dishes.

The annual Kannawidan ‘Ylocos’ Festival is a showcase of Ilocos Sur’s unique and world-class agricultural produce and by-products such as, onion, garlic, bamboo (and turned into trays and baskets), buri palm leaves (and turned into mat, bags, baskets, fan, and hats), corn (and turned into husk bags, flowers, curtains, and slippers), and coconut (and turned into local wine and vinegar). The annual event also coincides with the province’s first harvests, and serves as a thanksgiving festival for the gifts of land bounties.

In Ilocos Sur, the provincial government officially launched Kannawidan 2022 last February 1, with a bevy of activities aimed at celebrating life and spreading joy. The celebration was opened by the provincial government of Ilocos Sur, headed by Governor Ryan Luis V. Singson along with Vice Governor Jeremias C.

There are some activities that you can join including traditional games, cultural shows, drone light and dancing fountain shows, fireworks display, comedy nights, entertainment, food fest, pet shows, and competitions.

One mission of the festival is paying more attention to the children. It is because of the observation that many traditions, songs, dances, and other Ilocano culture are not recognized by the younger generations of the province. Instead, children are paying more attention to the modern and novelty dances they see television than the traditional ones. It is one of the reasons why the Kannadiwan Festival is conducted.

Here, children may appreciate their rich culture and tradition. Also on the opening day of the festival, a traditional ritual is performed by the students of the Ilocos Sur, especially high school students. There are different contests that focus to the ability and skills of the students. 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.

The local government of Ilocos Sur thought of this festival to encourage the younger generations to learn the indigenous songs and dances of the province.