Kannawidan: Intayon Ilocos Sur!

    Ilocos Sur is located in the northern tip of the island of Luzon. Their settlements were mostly found in the plain territories particularly along the coastlines and so the place was called Ilocos, which means people of the lowlands. According to history, colonizer Juan de Salcedo explored the region in 1572. Two years later, he established the Ciudad Fernandina in what is now known as Vigan by the orders of Governor-General Guido de Lavezares. The region however erupted in various uprisings all throughout the Spanish era. Thus, proposals were submitted to the Real Audiencia to divide the region. Thus on February 2, 1818, Provincia Ilocos was split into Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur by virtue of a Royal Decree. This is the date that Kannawidan Ylocos commemorates every year.

    Kannawidan Ylocos is an annual festival that celebrates the founding of the province of Ilocos Sur, Philippines every 2nd of February. A half-month celebration, its activities span from the last few days of January to the second week of February. Major activities occur in Vigan, the capital of the province. Kannawidan Ylocos comes from the word tawid. Its English translation means tradition, legacy, and/or heritage. It marks the historic establishment of the province during Spanish times. Kannawidan Ylocos was first launched within the term of Deogracias Victor Savellano in 2008. It was started to promote awareness and preservation of the local culture, tradition, heritage, and customs. It was also an opportunity to showcase local products, artistry, and craftsmanship. Moreover, it was also created to boost the local tourism industry. 

    It Is a tradition that during the opening of the festival, there is usually a mass held at the St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral. This event showcases the deep-rooted religiosity of the Ilocanos. The festival pays more attention on Ilocano children. It is because Ilocano culture are not recognized by the younger generations of the province. But instead, there is more on modern dances. With this kind of endeavor, Ilocano children may appreciate their rich culture and tradition. That is why this Festival is conducted. The Kannawidan Ylocos Festival encourages the younger generations to learn the indigenous songs and dances of the province of Ilocos Sur.

    Moreover, the significance of this event has propelled the identity of Ilocos Sur from its emancipation as a local government unit having a definite territory, self-reliant people, sufficient income and attainment of its recognition in the Philippines as well as foreign countries. Singson said that the provincial government would want to “afford the people of Ilocos Sur the opportunity to celebrate the Ilocos Sur Kannawidan Festival this year in their respective abodes, giving emphasis to the value of the Ilokano family that shares common culture and traditions.” 

    Activities for Kannawidan Ylocos include traditional games, cultural shows, fireworks display, comedy nights, entertainment, food fest, pet shows, and competitions. It also has traditional games, talent contests, exhibits, sporting events, trainings, street dance, festival dance showdown, and other fun activities. Some of the highlights is the Tawid ken Kultura is the annual Ilocos Sur Trade & Food Expo 2023. It boasts of displays of arts and crafts, food, souvenir items, handicrafts, and other products. It is also the platform for the promotion of one-town one-product program. Famous items include longanisa (sausage), bagnet (deep friend pork), bibingka (rice cake), and tinubong (dessert made of rice flour mixed with other ingredients and stuffed into the node of a bamboo shoot to be grilled).In addition to, Miss Ilocos Sur is the prestigious beauty pageant for females. The candidates are representatives of the local government units that comprise the province. They compete in various pageant events and winners are selected based on intelligence, beauty, and style.

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