Kannawidan Ylocos Festival; Together We Are ONE ILOCOS SUR

    Among the festivals of Ilocos Sur is the Kannawidan Ylocos Festival, a celebration that lasts from the last week of January to the first week of February. It is a festival that celebrates Ilocos Sur’s abundant culture and traditions and its separation from Ilocos Norte. The Ilocanos created the Kannawidan Ylocos Festival to exhibit and share their cultural treasures with the rest of the world; it is a celebration of our vibrant culture.

    The Kannawidan Ylocos Festival is one of the many famous festivals in Ilocos Sur; this festival plays a crucial role in the culture and history of Ilocos Sur. In this special event, the rich heritage, tradition, culture, arts, crafts, and delicacies of Ilocos Sur is showcased and highlighted. Moreover, the festival is also a showcase of indigenous performances, religious rituals, and as well as cooking demos featuring the best of Ilocano dishes.

    Different municipalities of Ilocos Sur also unite with each other by displaying their products under the One-Town-One-Product (OTOP) booth inside the trade fair. Different contested activities are also organized in this festival such as the zarzuela, choir competition, street dance, and the most awaited event which is the Miss Ilocos Sur; a showcase of the beauty and brains of Ilocanas.

    In addition to celebrating the birth of Ilocos Sur, the Kannawidan Ylocos Festival has grown in importance to every Ilocano as a platform for us to share our rich history and culture with the rest of the world. This is an additional method of preserving the customs that the Ilocano elders have handed on to us. Festivals provide us joy and new colors to our life, much like vibrant seasons do. These kinds of events teach us lessons that will improve our morale throughout the rest of our life. The values of the Kannawidan Ylocos Festival must be preserved, archived, and passed down to future generations. 

    We must preserve our cultural values, respect the ways of life left by our forefathers, and maintain a long-lasting and harmonious culture. This festival is very special because it is already in the heart of every Ilocanos. Because together we are one Ilocos Sur .