Kannawidan Festival

               Kannawidan Festival is the one of the celebrated festival of Ilocos Sur.  This festival shows us the traditions, cultures and beliefs that the Ilocanos are proud to be. Kannawidan has many activities that let our minds know the life of every Ilocano and its history. Kannawidan is celebrated from January 29 until February 3 every year.

      This year we celebrated Kannawidan through the beginning speech of our beloved Governor Ryan Luis Singson. The festival venue is at the Quirino Stadium. Where there is a huge stage for the performers. There is also carnaval that has more than five rides to try on by the visitors especially those kids and kids at the heart. But we don’t forget the trade fair that features the “One Town One Product” of the 13 towns of Ilocos Sur.

      And here are the prestigious activities that made the Kannawidan and the audience meaningful.

Last Jan.29, we witnessed the ever beautiful dancing fountain at Plaza Salcedo with a fireworks display that made our eyes sparkled. We also shared our different talents through the Siglat Ilocandia Talent search and Band Competition with a special guest of course. On jan.30, we had an Opening Ritual for the Trade Fair, Carnaval and Bonsai Exhibit. There is also Kinnantaan ti Koro tin Ilocos by means of Choir or Rondalla Contest. Those school that has a marching band joined the Marching Band Competition. And even the Contemporary Dance. Dinner time were Ilocano cuisines had been served. But the most delightful is those clothes especially those abel made that had been showed during the Fashion Show.

      And the start of Saniata ti Ilocos were the beautiful ladies showed their own best for their talents. There are also guest artist who joined the fun and excitement last Kannawidan. Feb.1, a Banda Rito, and Banda Roon have been organized. And a comedy night that made all the audience laugh.

      There is also Beach Fiesta at Cabugan Beach Resort. On Feb.2, it is the Saniata ti Ilocos Grand Coronation were one lady grabbed the title, and it is from Caoayan Ilocos Sur. And again another set of artists serenade the Ilocano people. And on Feb.3, the last day of Kannawidan, were Gov. Ryan Luis Singson awarded those contestants who won. Gov. Singson ended the festival through his closing remarks.

      I hope next year that Kannawidan will be more fun and knowledgeable. And many visitors will come and witness on how do Ilocanos live through the history, culture and its beliefs.