KANNAWIDAN Festival

           Technology has arises causing people to forget their own traditions and culture but in Ilocos Sur traditions and cultures never vanished because of KANNAWIDAN Festival. It is celebrated from January 29 to February 6 every year. It is an event for the Ilocano to showcase different cultures, native products and even talents.

            This year, 2014, the said festival was conducted at Quirino Stadium, Ilocos Sur wherein Ilocano from Sinait to Tagudin joined together to showcase their own culture, products and talents but Ilocano are not the only one allowed in this festival, even tourist can roam around to buy different native products and even watch the different talents of Ilocano.

            There were so many activities during this festival, like the Fun Run, Bingo, Delphic Games and Amazing Race. There was also Quiz Bee and Salip Saririt or Salip ti Panagaramid ti Daniw. Another very interesting activity was the “Pinaka-“Contest wherein Ilocanos can compete for the biggest, heaviest and longest crops. And the highlight of the KANNAWIDAN festival was the Saniata ti Ylocos which showcase the beauties and witty minds of true-blooded Ilokanas from the different municipalities of Ilocos Sur. Talent search were also present during this festival, like the Siglat Ilocandia, Fashion Show, Zarzuela Ilocano, Contemporary Dance and the Dance Drama or Traditional Dance. In KANNAWIDAN Festival you can also witness the One-Town-One-Product of Ilocos Sur. During night there were also concert by Bamboo and Mitoy Yonting; there were also some Kapuso and Kapamilya stars. The venue was filled with crowds, colorful lights, fireworks and the dazzling smiles from the cheerful audience.

            KANNAWIDAN is one of a kind festival. So be proud if you are an Ilocano. (^_^) And if you’re not, next time to plan to visit Ilocos Sur make sure it’s during January – February and don’t forget to bring your camera and also your barkadas!