Kannawidan Festival

    The province of Ilocos Sur has recently celebrated its Kannawidan Ylocos Festival. This year marks the province’s 193rd 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”.
     VIGAN CITY, Philippines — The week-long Kannawidan Ylocos Festival which celebrates the 193rd anniversary of the founding of Ilocos Sur kicks off today with a string of activities expected to draw thousands of domestic and foreign tourists.
During the opening day on January 28, a food festival featuring different cooking and eating contests will be held in Plaza Salcedo, a basketball game to be conducted by the National Basketball League (NBL) will be held in Sto. Domingo Gymnasium, to be followed by the procession of the miraculous patron saint to be held in Vigan City.
     The other activities are the presentations of cultural dances and costumes, opening of the trade fair with PINAKA contest and presentation of Partuat and Patanor (Jan. 29); the Tourism Travel Mart, job fair, exhibition of vintage equipment and native art’s contest (Jan. 30); Senior Citizen’s Fun Run, mobile passporting, Fashion show, Piano Concert and Marching Band Competition (Jan. 31); Horse-racing contest and search for Saniata ti Ilocos Sur (Feb. 1); Showcasing of indigenous musical instrument and Zarzuela presentation (Feb. 2); and the awarding of outstanding Ilocos Surians.