Inheritance from the past

 

The province of Ilocos Sur has recently celebrated its Kannawidan Ylocos Festival. This year marks the province’s 205th year based on the Royal Decree dated February 2, 1818 separating Ilocos Sur from Ilocos Norte. Prior to this date, the stretch of Bangui in Ilocos Norte down to Luna La Union is called Ylocos which is a term to refer to the coastal inhabitants. It literally meant “from the lowlands”.  

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.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. Tawid ken Kultura Trade Fair showcased the products of the province such as longanisa, bagnet, garlic, bibingka, tinubong and many other foods including handicrafts. Although the festival is open to anyone, Ilocano youngsters are the target audience for the majority of the events and competitions. Ilocano children are given more attention during the Kannawidan Ylocos Festival, according to the article I read, because the current generation no longer values Ilocos Sur culture. Instead, young people are gradually adjusting to modernity. Because of this, young people are urged to learn the traditional songs and dances of the Ilocos Sur at the Kannawidan Ylocos Festival. Each year, competitions that highlight the kid's talent and skills include traditional and folk dances, traditional tribal rites, and more. The Ilocano kids gain knowledge about the value of preserving their culture in this way, and they also get to have fun and engage with their peers.

 

Ilocos Sur Kannawidan 2023 serves as reminder to ilocanos to preserve it's rich cultures and traditions. It represents how us ilocanos how rich we are in case of culture. Kannawidan Ylocos festival is the commemoration of the foundation of the province of Ilocos Sur. It is an annual celebration that lasts from the last week of January and ends on the first week of February.