Kannawidan Ylocos Festival
The Kannawidan Ylocos Festival occurs annually in the province of Ilocos Sur. Activities include
mass at the St. Paul Cathedral, procession around the city, “Talent Night ti
Saniata” where local songs will be aired, beauty contest, “Partuat ken Patanor Trade
Fair,” concerts, Delphic Games, horse race, Quiz bee, on-the-spot painting,
Iloco poem writing, Kannawidan a pay-ayam-Sarsuela Ilocana, Bingo Game and
Battle of the Bands.The festival marks the occasion to strengthen the Ilocano
culture, recognize Ilocos Sur’ssons and daughters who brought honor to
their province, celebrate abundant harvest or just to celebrate the Ilocano
spirit that continues to drive locals to boost their home province.
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 festives just to exhibit and promote
products of ours and precious cultures of Ilocanos 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 festival was launched
in 2008 under the leadership of then Governor Deogracias Victor B. Savellano to
commemorate the 190th foundation day of Ilocos Sur as separate province through
the approval of a Spanish Royal Decree on February 2, 1818. The province has a
rich heritage and unique cultures that need to be preserved for the next
generations. However, many of these traditions, songs, dances and other Ilocano
cultures were not already familiar to the younger generations due to the
influence of the television, computer and internet.
Highlights include the members of the Bayanihan Dance
Company entertained the Ilocanos with their world class performance
of the Beauty of the Philippines through dances, music and sounds. Their
graceful movements and excellent rendition of songs and playing the indigenous
musical instruments drew attractions from the crowd. Governor Luis Chait
Singson and Vice Governor Savellano together with the officials of the
Department of Education Division of Ilocos Sur signified the start of the
different contests for elementary and high school 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. These events aimed
to encourage young Ilocanos 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, Ilocanos 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.