KANNAWIDAN:The Ylocos Festival

           Ilocos Sur has a rich heritage and unique culture that are to be preserved for the next generations because it is observed that many of these traditions, songs, dances and other Ilocano culture are not familiar to the younger generations already. Children of today are paying more attention to the modern and novelty dances they seen on the television than the traditional ones. There is also a need to evaluate the different products of the different municipalities and the agricultural products and livestock of the farmers and fisher folks. Because of this, the provincial government of Ilocos Sur conceived a festival that will highlight these culture and traditions and attract local and foreign tourists as well. They call it the KANNAWIDAN Ylocos Festival, it is also a time to commemorate the anniversary of Ilocos Sur as a province since it was separated on February 3, 1818.The celebration was opened by a celebrated mass held at the St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral followed by a procession of the patron saints of the 40 parishes and images of Jesus Christ and Virgin Mary around the province’s capital city. This shows the deep rooted religiosity of the Ilocanos. Rev. Fr. Roque Reyes who officiate the mass articulated in his homily that this festivity is the time to thank the Almighty not only for the abundance He showered for the province but also the rich heritage of the place including the strong ties among the Ilocano families.

      A dinner for all was held at the Plaza Salcedo where all the bystanders and even the local and foreign tourists present were invited to join. A fireworks display goes after the meal which enjoyed by the crowd.A traditional opening ritual was performed by the students of the Ilocos Sur Special Highschool for Culture and the Arts, Vice Gov. DV Savellano and the officials of the DepEd Ilocos Sur to formally start the different contests for elementary and highschool 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. This highlight according to the officials is their way to encourage the young Ilocanos to learn the indigenous songs and dances so that these will continue and become familiar to the young generations.