Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Kannawidan: The Ylocos Festival

        Kannawidan is a festival celebrated throughout Ilocos Sur thus Vigan City which is the capital takes part of it and has recently celebrated from January 16 – February 6. The week-long Kannawidan Ylocos Festival which celebrates the 193rd anniversary of the founding of Ilocos Sur kicks off today with a string of activities.
        Based from the meaning of Kannawidan we could actually derive and depict the purpose or reason behind the question “Why we are celebrating it?”. Kannawidan means traditions and this province got 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. Several activities were lined up for the celebration. There was the tribal performance of the cultural communities of Ilocos Sur which is so fascinating. They displayed their talents as well as their indigenous costumes. Partuat ken Patanor Trade Fair showcased the products of the province such as longanisa, bagnet, garlic, bibingka, tinubong and many other foods including handicrafts. There was even eating contests of these delicacies of Ilocos Sur as well as basi drinking contest. Traditional games were played and bingo as well. There were Sarsuela and Komedya Ilocana which were shown. Choir competition was also held.A battle of brains and beauty was witnessed during the Saniata ti Ilocos Sur pageant. Art exhibitions and competitions were also conducted. On the spot painting was done by the Saturday group from Manila while the Ilocandia Photographic Society put up its photography exhibit at the Archbishop’s Palace. Another purpose is for younger generations to be familiar of these traditions, songs, dances and other Ilocano cultures.

It was a jocund week celebration of the Kannawidan Festival in Ilocos Sur. Through Kannawidan Ylocos Festival, these traditions, customs and cultures are revived to become more entertaining to give more fun and attractions to the visiting tourists in the province.

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