Kannawidan Festival (insights)

               

                   Kannawidan is an Ilocano term meaning feast of rich heritage and culture. It marks the 198th foundation of Ilocos Sur, which separated the province from Ilocos Norte by a Royal Decree on February 2, 1818. The 2016 Kannawidan Ylocos festival of the province of Ilocos Sur formally opened. The festivity features the heritage culture of the province which dates back two centuries ago.

                  
                   The Bicentennial Ylocos Festival goes full blast with the traditional opening ritual led by Gov Ryan Singson together with the indigenous people of Ilocos Sur. The festival showcases the rich heritage, tradition, culture, arts, crafts and delicacies of Ilocos Sur. Locals revived traditional practices that Ilocano elders passed on in the annual Kannawidan Festival but made it more meaningful this 2019 because of the province celebration of Bicentennial Kannawidan Ylocos festival. The traditional opening display the identity proofs that there is a culture that we have form through the years, and we will continue our journey towards the future. The Kannawidan (local term for traditional practice) festival was also an occasion to strengthen the Ilocano culture, recognize Ilocos Sur’s sons and daughters who brought honor to the province, celebrate abundant harvest or just to celebrate the Ilocano spirit that continues to drive locals to boost the province. Various festivities were staged from trade, agriculture, aqua and livestock while a display of farm products opened the 17-day festival. Tradition was also found in the culinary treats that residents prepared including delicacies that Ilocos Sur is known for. Street dancing and showdown of the product of the 22 towns of the province marked the festivities. This is the first time the Ilocos Sur held Street Dancing as one of the highlights of the activities. The other activities for the festival includes the boodle fight, a ritual followed by the presentation of Ilocano traditions spiced with sports events, the Miss Saniata 2016, Mass and procession at the Saint Paul Cathedral, fireworks display, and the grand finals of the Siglat Ilocandia (search for talented Ilocanos), motor show, concerts.

                    A lesson is learned for 2 centuries and that is, as province that we will continue with its glorious past in achieving a more glorious future. Let us walk and celebrate together our independence as a province, a starting point of our journey, let us all remember, and with pride let us be proud to be Ilocosurians.

http://www.ilocossur.gov.ph/index.php/component/k2/item/261-bicentennial-kannawidan-ylocos-festival-opens