Kannawidan Ylocos Festival; Pride of the Ilocanos

Kannawidan Ylocos Festival is one of the famous festivals in Ilocos Sur. It celebrates Ilocos Sur’s abundant culture and traditions.  A festival in the Province of Ilocos Sur commemorating the separation of the two Ilocos provinces in 1818. This festival is a showcase of indigenous performances, religious rituals, as well cooking demos featuring the best of Ilocano dishes. Kannawidan Ylocos festival is the commemoration of the foundation of the province of Ilocos Sur. It is a celebration that lasts from the last week of January and ends on the first week of February.

Kannawidan is a festivity which the Iocos Sur celebrates every year. In this festival, the Ilocano people showcase cultural shows, native products and the talents of the Ilocanos. 

Kannawidan Ylocos Festival became an annual festival that aims to create awareness on the preservation of the province' rich cultural heritage, practices and traditions, and a showcase of the different agriculture and industry products of the province.There is a need to preserve our rich heritage and unique culture. With this in mind, the provincial government of Ilocos Sur has conceived a festival that highlights these culture and traditions and attract local and foreign tourists as well. Dubbed the Kannawidan Ylocos Festival, it is also a commemoration of the anniversary of Ilocos Sur as a province. 

This festival is very significant to every resident in the province as they are celebrating the foundation of Ilocos Sur as a province by virtue of the Royal Decree signed on February 2, 1818. Ilocos Sur especially Vigan is branded as the Heart of Ilocandia by the Philippine Historical Committee. It’s a province very rich in culture and heritage. Kannawidan means traditions and this province got to showcase all what she has. On January 31 to February 6, 2011 several activities were lined up for the celebration. There was the tribal performance of the cultural communities of Ilocos Sur which is so fascinating. They displayed their talents as well as their indigenous costumes. Partuat ken Patanor Trade Fair showcased the products of the province such as longanisa, bagnet, garlic, bibingka, tinubong and many other foods including handicrafts. 

And we Ilocanos will maintain these culture and traditon because we are ONE ILOCANO, ONE ILOCOS SUR.