Kannawidan Ylocos Festival

 

Kannawidan Ylocos Festival is Ilocos Sur's week-long festivity which is celebrated not only by the locals but also foreign tourists. The main aim of the festival is to exhibit and promote the products and precious cultures of Ilocanos. This annual event seeks to make people aware of the rich Ilocano culture, traditions and practices so that they would be preserved. The festival includes competitions that involve their local products like basi drinking competition and empanada eating contest.

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.

7th year celebration of the Kannawidan Ylocos Festival, we shall witness another milestone of quality and majestic programs and activities which will highlight the strengthening overview of a true Ilocano. Governor Singson mentioned: “We want to preserve our heritage, considering that Vigan is now included in the New Seven Wonder Cities of the world. The youth has a vital role in prospering our culture and be able to foster a genuine view of how can we sustain this milestone.” Expect the enjoyment, the thrill and the excitement of this year’s Kannawidan Ylocos Festival: bringing the best to the Ilocano people which will start on January 29, 2015. This year brings us lots of changes and innovation as Gov. Ryan preferred it from a week of festivities extending it to almost a month, in order to have longer time to enjoy the event, giving opportunities to our constituents coming from farther municipalities to grace the merriment. Talents of the Ilocanos will also have its peak in its night as the Siglat Ylocandia conducts its annual grand finals. games in the province, recognize our meritorious Gawad Titong Singson awardees and add the tremors of cute and petite little ladies for the Saniata ti ubbing giving emphasis on the role of children in propagating Ilocano culture in their young age Mark the pleasure to horse fanatics as we bring you the Lumba ti kabalyo, how about tuning in to the latest buzz with the First Media Awards, which will let our local artists and programs take a bow. Spend the last days of our kannawidan with a Motorshow that will thrill your nerves out.. A venue and time to appreciate history, people and the quintessence of Ilocos Sur pride and Glory, because you know that: IT’S SURE FUN IN ILOCOS SUR!