Kannawidan Ylocos Festival: A Celebration of Harmonious Ilocano Culture

We all know that the province of Ilocos Sur is undoubtedly fascinating. Ilocos Sur is more that the cobblestone streets of Vigan. The province is known for its rich culture and history that represents the ancient Spanish and Filipino heritage. In order to promote and preserve the culture and history of the province, civic spirited Ilocanos come up with an idea which is the celebration of the Kannawidan to build cultural awareness to everyone.

Kannawidan Ylocos Festival is the festival of Ilocos Sur that celebrates its being a separate province and its being a treasure chest of traditions and culture. This festival at the end of January celebrates the best of Ilcos Sur culture, from traditional dress and folk dance to tribal rituals and marching band contest. Every Ilocano looks forward to the Kannawidan Festival because it is a grand celebration and it is a time where every municipality comes together as one to thank God not only for the bountiful harvests but also to celebrate successes and gains as province. But the celebration of the Kannawidan Ylocos Festival 2021 has many changes. This year’s celebration became simpler because of the ongoing global pandemic. The city government emphasizes social distancing, hygiene protocols and other strict guidelines. Healthcare tips announced by the city government must follow to ensure the safety of everyone and to prevent the spread of the COVID-19.

We need to find the significance of these celebrations even when we can’t be together in all the ways we’d like to be or can’t celebrate the same activities we might have planned on. There are many reasons why celebrating Kannawidan Ylocos Festival is significant. We are dependent on social heritage, which is a mixture of customs, traditions, moral values, attitudes, festivals, folklore, beliefs and ideals not only makes us who we are but binds us to pass it on from one generation to another. Celebrating festivals like this give us the opportunity to forget all our worries and celebrate the positive side of life, even if it is for few days. This festival also stimulate economic activities since it provide employment opportunities to people.

It is very challenging to celebrate festivals nowadays especially we are experiencing a global pandemic. Some people may not be able to mark an occasion the way they used to. Their having a hard time coping with the disappointments they encounter. Some feel range of emotions. But through the support of the city government they make the celebration become easier. They ensure that every Biguenios are protected as possible.

Festivals are like the happy seasons that come and give us lots of happiness and add a new color to our life. Celebrating festivals like this teaches us something to give moral for the upcoming life. We need to preserve, archive and pass down the values of festivals to the next generation. We need to maintain our cultural values, should respect the ways of life that were left by our forefathers, and should maintain a long-lasting and harmonious culture.