Kannawidan: The Key to Conserving Cultural Heritage

 

                        The Kannawidan Ylocos Festival is an annual celebration that commemorates the province of Ilocos Sur’s founding. The festival is celebrated from the last week of January until the first week of February. It is a way for the Ilocanos to express their gratitude to the Almighty for not only the province's abundant blessings, but also for the province's rich heritage, which includes close family ties. Numerous events and contests are held during the festival for Ilocanos to further appreciate the rich culture and traditions of the province.

 

                       Although the festival is for everyone, most activities and competitions are made for Ilocano children. According to the article I have read, the Kannawidan Ylocos Festival pays more attention on Ilocano children because nowadays, the current generation does not recognize the culture of Ilocos Sur anymore. Instead, the youth are slowly adapting to the modernity. That is why during the Kannawidan Ylocos Festival, young people are encouraged to learn the Ilocano Sur's indigenous songs and dances. Traditional tribal rituals, choir, traditional and folk dances are among the contests every year that focus on the students' ability and skills. In this way, not only do the Ilocano children learn the importance of preserving the province’s culture, but also enjoy and interact with their peers.

 

                       In conclusion, the Kannawidan Ylocos Festival is conducted every year not only to keep the rich culture of Ilocanos alive, but also to unite Ilocanos annually to celebrate the foundation of their homeland. The festival itself is significant because it reminds the people, mainly the children of Ilocos Sur to help preserve the traditions of Ilocanos despite adapting to modernity.

Image References:

TheQuestBoi (2011) "Kannawidan Festival of Ilocos Sur" Retrieved February 16, 2022 https://nboi.blogspot.com/2011/02/kannawidan-festival-of-ilocos-sur.html

Castro-Rivero (2019) "Kannawidan Ylocos Festival 2019, where Ilocos Sur mixes the old and new in Ilocano culture" Retrieved February 16, 2022 https://tawidnewsmag.com/kannawidan-ylocos-festival-2019-where-ilocos-sur-mixes-the-old-and-new-in-ilocano-culture/

Vigan City (2016) "ICYMI: Kannawidan Ylocos Festival 2016 Streetdancing" Retrieved from Twitter February 16, 2022 https://twitter.com/viganph/status/696273204508172288