With the rapid progress of modern technologies, it is no wonder why cultures and traditions are an antecedence to the minds of the youth. During the early period, people walked or rode horses to reach their destination in a few hours, wrote letters to a loved one in another county, used hand fans in an effort to beat the heat, washed their clothes at the riversides and many more but today, people now make use of vehicles to arrive at their destination in a few minutes, send instant messages to a person abroad via email, cool off using electric fans or air conditioner, wait for the washing machine to do the laundry and many more. Due to technology's many benefits to mankind, people seem to have overlooked its dark sides: influencing people to become slackers, polluting the environment and replacing our culture and traditions in a snail pace. But through festivities, the beauty of our cultures and traditions, our innovative characteristic and our latent abilities are preserved and re-freshened over the years. And we, Ilokanos, have this festival called "Kannawidan".
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”. It’s a province very rich in culture and heritage. Kannawidan means traditions and this province got to showcase all what she has. On January 31 to February 6, 2011 several activities were lined up for the celebration. As an introduction is the popular and astounding dancing fountain blended with fireworks diplay. There was a showcase of every products of the province such as longanisa, bagnet, garlic, bibingka, tinubong and many other foods including handicrafts. There was even eating contests of these delicacies of Ilocos Sur as well as basi drinking contest. Traditional games were played and bingo as well. 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. Bamboo also appeared as a guest artist and had a public concert. It really is more fun here in Ilocos Sur, don't you agree?
If you missed the show, there's still next year and so on. I know it's a long time so grab your phone, go to calendar and insert a reminder in case you will forget. Next time, come and watch, and bring also your camera to preserve your happy memories in the Kannawidan festival.
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