Kannawidan Festival: A Link to Our Past

 

             

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                  Ilocos Sur has many famous festivals and one of which is the Kannawidan Festival. Kannawidan is a variant of the Ilocano word “Tawid” meaning heritage or inheritance. Kannawidan festival was conceived by the locals to show and share their rich culture that represents the ancient Spanish and Filipino heritage. The festival happens at the end of January up to the first week of February and it highlights the best of Ilocos Sur culture and traditions. It is also in commemoration of the foundation day of the province since its separation from Ilocos Norte on February 2, 1818. In the previous years, Kannawidan was celebrated for at least a month, but for this year the celebration only lasted for a week, January 29 – February 5 because of the pandemic that we are experiencing.

                Our heritage provides clues to our past and how our society has evolved. It helps us examine our history and enables us develop awareness about ourselves. Heritage is the keystone of our culture that shapes our belief, aspirations and values that keeps our integrity as Ilocanos. Culture provides important social and economic benefits and enhances our quality of life and increases overall well-being for both individuals and communities. Likewise, traditions represent a critical piece of our culture which is essential in the formation of the structure and foundation of our families and our society. With the introduction of modern technology, the younger generation is so focused on the internet and social media and I think that the Kannawidan Festival plays a very important role. Today’s generation does not recognize the traditions, songs, dances and other Ilocano culture. Instead, children are paying more attention to the modern and novelty dances they see on television rather than the traditional ones. With the Kannawidan Festival children will be able to appreciate their rich culture and tradition and enjoy their heritage, through the different contests that will focus on the ability and skills of the students. These include traditional tribal rituals, choir and glee club competition marching band contest, traditional music ensemble, dance, drama, traditional and folk dances, contemporary dance and street dancing showdown. A food festival is also held wherein the young and talented chefs can introduce their new recipes showcasing the versatility of the Vigan longanisa and bagnet. There is also the “Pinaka” contest where locals exhibit their amazing form and fishery products and livestock. Kannawidan Festival is also good venue where the One-Town-One-Product (OTOP) of each city and municipality is promoted thereby providing additional income to the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and owners of local food stalls, furniture shops, gifts/decors and housewares including plant sellers. The festival is also a livelihood training ground for women and students with the help of the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Agriculture. The Kannawidan Festival also helps the other provinces because they come here to promote and sell their products.

                Our culture, tradition and heritage is our link to the past, an invisible thread to our ancestors and understanding them helps us better understand why we are who we are. They remind us where we come from and they give us a sense of who we are as Ilocano people. The Kannawidan Festival gives a sense of identity to all Ilocanos committed to ensure the conservation, preservation and promotion of Ilocano cultural, artistic, historical and know about each other. Culture, tradition and heritage sustain us people in the worst times and lift us in our best times.