“A Showcase of Culture and Tradition”

 

Located in the northern part of Luzon, Ilocos Sur is a delightful province. It is a culture-rich province representing the ancient Spanish and Filipino heritage. The locals conceived a festival that highlights these cultural traditions in order to show and share their treasures to the whole world and called it the "Kannadiwan Festival."

 

This festival celebrates the best of the culture of Ilocos Sur, from traditional clothing and folk dance to tribal rituals and contests for marching bands. It is a celebration that lasts until the first week of February, from the last week of January. The commemoration of the province's foundation day is included in the course of events. A noble idea developed in the minds of a group of civic-spirited Ilocanos fifteen years ago who wanted to promote cultural awareness and preserve Ilocos Sur's rich historical and cultural heritage. They wanted to rekindle the pride of their heritage among young people and future generations.

Ilocos Sur has a rich heritage and unique culture to be preserved for the next generations because it is seen that the younger generations are not already familiar with many of these traditions, songs, dances and other Ilocano culture. Today's children pay more attention to the modern and novel dances they see on TV than to the traditional ones. The different products of the various municipalities and the agricultural products and livestock of farmers and fishermen also need to be evaluated. Because of this, the Ilocos Sur provincial government designed a festival to highlight these cultures and traditions and also attract local and foreign tourists.

 

This festival is rich in culture and has a sense of identity among all Ilocanos, who are committed to ensuring the cultural, artistic, historical and intellectual heritage of Iloco is transformed, preserved and promoted. Kannawidan is very important. We are preserving the culture, history and the old traditions of Ilocos Sur with this festival.

 

https://www.ijser.org/researchpaper/KANNAWIDAN-FESTIVAL-ITS-EFFECT-TO-MERCHANTS.pdf

https://medium.com/@joseph1.peruna/kannawidan-a-feast-of-rich-heritage-and-culture-a625ce7688df