KANNAWIDAN
Festivals
are part of one’s custom, culture and tradition. They are there for us
to celebrate. It helps us forget our routine. It gives us some
momentary, mental and physical relaxation and thus frees us from die
shackles of monotonous work.Here in Ilocos there is a festival which they called "KANNAWIDAN"
Kannawidan is a festivity which the City of Vigan celebrates every year.
In this festival, the Ilocano people showcase cultural shows, native
products and the talents of the Ilocanos.
Kannawidan Ylocos Festival became an annual festival that 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 of the province.There is a need to preserve our
rich heritage and unique culture. With this in mind, the provincial
government of Ilocos Sur has conceived a festival that highlights these
culture and traditions and attract local and foreign tourists as well.
Dubbed the Kannawidan Ylocos Festival, it is also a commemoration of the
anniversary of Ilocos Sur as a province.
This festival is very significant to every resident in the province as
they are celebrating the foundation of Ilocos Sur as a province by
virtue of the Royal Decree signed on February 2, 1818.
Ilocos Sur especially Vigan is branded as the Heart of Ilocandia by the
Philippine Historical Committee. It’s a province very rich in culture
and heritage. Kannawidan means traditions and this province got to
showcase all what she has. On January 31 to February 6, 2011 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. Showcasing the beauty of the Iloconas- the Saniata.
This means that Filipinos has a lot of cultures and festivities. Festivals are meant to rejoice special moments and emotions in our lives
with our loved ones. They play an important role to add structure to
our social lives, and connect us with our families and backgrounds. They
give us a distraction from our day to day, exhausting routine of life,
and give us some inspiration to remember the important things and
moments in life. Festivals were started to pass the legends, knowledge
and traditions onto the next generation.