KANNAWIDAN: A way to promote the creativity of Ilocos Sur

 Ilocos Sur, a province from Region 1, is popularly known for having rich culture and its breath-taking sites. In order for non-locals to know more about Ilocos Sur, it is advised to experience and take part in the Kannawidan Festival. The Kannawidan Festival is held at the Heritage City of Vigan, which is also the province’s capital, from January 28 to February 17. The main mission or objective of this festival is to highlight and showcase the cultural traditions from each city in Ilocos Sur. The Kannawidan Festival is a great opportunity for Ilocanos to showcase and share their products from their respective municipality or city. 

It has various events and competitions throughout the period, these include traditional tribal rituals, choir, and glee club competition, marching band contest, traditional music ensemble, dance drama, traditional and folk dances, contemporary dance competition, and street dancing showdown. The festival is a creative way for Ilocos Sur to introduce non-locals the beauty and creativity of each city comprising the province. Due to COVID-19, The festival limited the contests that will be held in order to follow health protocols and still enjoy the vibe of the festival. Vigan’s response to COVID-19 is the reason why there are only low cases in the city thus making the festival still possible. 

Knowing that Vigan can handle the pandemic well, I think that there will be no problem in upholding this festival but my main concern is that, if we are going to still continue the festival- it attracts people outside of Ilocos Sur which makes the spread of the virus faster. For me, following cultures and traditions are completely fine since it is a part of who we are but it is important to keep in mind that we should adjust to our current environment since this festival can be a cause for more cases in Vigan City. The festival has already begun, and it is now open to the public and from the report of our local news, the events include only the trade fair, which is only exclusive to locals, and the pageant.

 The trade fair is open from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm. Each city or municipality still boasts and tries to sell their product. The booths from the trade fair are only limited in order to follow health protocols. The local government also suggested doing online selling since it can both benefit the consumer and the seller. Overall, it is sad to think that we can't celebrate the Kannawidan Festival like we used to before but we should still follow certain protocols and prioritize our health and safety first in order for us to lessen the spread of the virus 

SOURCES:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fpia.gov.ph%2Fnews%2Ftags%2Fkannawidan-ylocos-festival-2021&psig=AOvVaw1DKqqpcM9hDmhqevmIMkS2&ust=1614953743503000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCJjz78Lqlu8CFQAAAAAdAAAAABAU

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fpia.gov.ph%2Ffeatures%2Farticles%2F1065420&psig=AOvVaw1DKqqpcM9hDmhqevmIMkS2&ust=1614953743503000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCJjz78Lqlu8CFQAAAAAdAAAAABAO

https://xrc.bomboradyo.com/vigan/2021/01/143502265_212787557249133_2336502253800424377_n.jpg