Kannawidan Ylocos Festival:Pride of Ilocano Culture

 Ilocos Sur is a beautiful province located in the northern part of Luzon. It is a province rich in culture that represents the ancient Spanish and Filipino heritage. To show and share their treasures to the whole world, the locals conceived a festival that highlights these cultural traditions and they called it the “Kannadiwan Festival”.

It is a celebration that lasts from the last week of January up to the first week of February. Included in the course of events is the commemoration of the foundation day of the province.

On the opening day, there is usually a mass held at the St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral. It is followed by a procession of the Patron Saints of the 40 parishes and images of Jesus Christ and Virgin Mary around the city. It is the Ilocanos' way of giving thanks to the Almighty not only for the bountiful blessings but also for the rich heritage of the city, including the close family ties among the Ilocanos. This event showcases the deep-rooted religiosity of the townsfolk. 

One mission of the festival is paying more attention to the children. It is because of the observation that many traditions, songs, dances, and other Ilocano culture are not recognized by the younger generations of the province. Instead, children are paying more attention to the modern and novelty dances they see television than the traditional ones. It is one of the reasons why the Kannadiwan Festival is conducted.

Here, children may appreciate their rich culture and tradition. Also on the opening day of the festival, a traditional ritual is performed by the students of the Ilocos Sur, especially high school students. There are different contests that focus to 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 competition, and street dancing showdown.

The local government of Ilocos Sur thought of this festival to encourage the younger generations to learn the indigenous songs and dances of the province.

The Bayanihan Dance Company is the much awaited event of the celebration. It is presented by world-class performers showcasing the Beauty of the Philippines through dances, music, and sounds. Spectators are clapping with joy because of their great performances, graceful movements, and excellent rendition of songs while playing native musical instruments.

A food festival is also held at Tamag Grounds. There is fireworks display after the meal, lighting up the sky with a million colorful specks and flashes.

One interesting event of the festival is the annual “Pinaka”contest where locals exhibit their amazing farm and fishery products and livestock. Another activity that catches the attention of the visitors is the gathering at Vigan Plaza Hotel, where Ilocos Sur comes back to the olden times and participants wear their old-fashioned dresses as they party to the tune of old songs and drown in the memories of old Ilocos.

Reminisce the Cityhood of Vigan City

 For many of us, this time of year is a time for finding joy in the planning and celebrating of various festivals and celebrations that bring families and friends together over the winter months. With varying levels of lockdown restrictions in place across Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Wales, it is safe to assume that this year’s celebrations will be very different to those in years gone by.   

 

For some of us, the formal parts of religious festivals may change – with Places of Worship operating to different rules. For others, the informal gatherings and family traditions that accompany times of celebration will be affected.  

 Most of the religious festivals at this time of year celebrate prosperity, hope and light – and it is important that we hold onto the meaning of these celebrations all the more if we cannot mark them in the way we might have in the past.  

 

We will have to be more creative in how we join in the festivities but, in years to come, talking about how we celebrated in 2020 may well become one of our most cherished memories – precisely because we were asked to strip back and focus on the meaning. 

Try and enjoy the festivities as much as you can

While it’s natural to want to be with your loved ones in person, ensuring they are as protected as possible from coronavirus may be the greatest gift you can give this year.  

Longganisa (or Longaniza in Spanish) is a sausage similar to chorizo which is flavoured with local spices and differs considerably from region to region. In the Philippines they are typically eaten for breakfast with rice or fried eggs. The Vigan Longganisa is a fat, short little sausage which uses local garlic and sugar cane vinegar giving it a distinct flavour. The Longganisa Festival is typically celebrated in Vigan City on 22 January each year, just a few days before the Vigan City Fiesta on 25 January.

 

It’s good to keep in mind that while preparing a celebration can be a happy and exciting time for many, some people can feel under a lot of pressure to create the perfect experience for their loved ones. This can cause increased stress, anxiety and feelings of inadequacy which may be heightened this year with the additional barriers in place. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the extra demands of the season, try to balance your sense of obligation against your need for self-care.

Myself in a New Year

 

As years passed away I have formed the habit of looking back upon that former self as upon another person, the remembrance of whose emotions has been a solace in adversity and added zest to the enjoyment of prosperity.” -Simon Newcomb.

New Year’s eve is like every other night; there is no pause in the march of the universe, no breathless moment of silence among created things that the passage of another twelve months may be noted; and yet no man has quite the same thoughts this evening that come with the coming of darkness on other nights. Benjamin Franklin once said, be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man. Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. What is the point of New Year’s Eve and the beginning of a New Year?

New Year’s is an ending, and with each ending there are opportunities for new beginnings. For last year’s words belong to last year’s language. And next year’s words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning.

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