KANNAWIDAN: THE YLOCOS FESTIVAL
Ilocos Sur
has a rich heritage and unique culture. To preserve these, the Kannawidan
Festival was conceived showcasing the Ilocano culture. In addition, it is also
a time to commemorate the anniversary of Ilocos Sur as a province since it was
separated on February 3, 1818.
The deep rooted religiousity of the
Ilokanos is seen through a mass at the St. Paul Cathedral which usually opens
the celebration. A procession of the patron saints of the parishes and images
of Jesus Christ and Virgin Mary around the province’s capital city is usually
being held.
Such activities are being conducted
to highlight the culture of the Ilocanos through dances, songs, costumes to
mention a few. We could go back in time through the presentations of folk
dances with their graceful movements, excellent rendition of songs and
playing the indigenous musical instruments, theatrical plays and such.
One of the most visited cite during the festival is the
Trade and Agri Fair The trade and agri fair displays all the products from
the different municipalities of the province and of the exhibitors from other
provinces. The annual Pinaka contest where farmers demonstrate their
extraordinary farm and fishery products and livestock also draw attention to
the visitors.
One
also of the highlights is the awarding of the Fr. Jose Burgos Achievement
Awards and other special awards to those who really had excelled ad uplifted
the name of the province in different fields.
Another
activity during the Kannawidan Festival is the Miss Saniata, a pageant which
just showcases the captivating beauties of the Ilocano women.
All of these are evidence that the Kannawidan Ylocos
Festival is already becoming a fast rising festival in the country as shown by
the number of participants and tourists who flocked and became a part of the
festival. Kannawidan indeed is an attraction because it showcases the culture
of Ilocanos that made them distinct from other ethnic groups of the
Philippines.
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