Carnival in the City

Festival, it is where greatness of our own culture is found. 

205 years of the seperation of Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte Provinces of Region 1. As an annual celebration, Kannawidan was celebrated every year to celebrate the separation of the both Provinces. This festival is a showcase of indigenous performances, religious rituals, as well cooking demos featuring the best of Ilocano dishes. It showcase our talents, culture and traditions to every Tourist and fellow town people inside the province. I was grateful enough to experience this kind Festival. 

Kannawidan Festival starts with a great events and ends with a greater events.  As the saying goes “ Festival are all about making memories…”, I made my ways and reasons for me to experience this once in a year annual celebration of Kannawidan Festival. 

It was dark cold night, with the half moon lighting up the whole City along with the streetlights. We gathered, gathering around Vigan Fountain along with my family and friends, as we wait patiently for the grand surprise of the annual Kannawidan Festival Opening. As time elapses the numbers in the clock through its own axis, we talked and laughed for us to make time useful. When the time came, It started with small and single fireworks till the others continuously and joint each other in sparkling the night out. It was beautiful and fantastic as words can express. 

After the opening started, various activities happened from day to day that have passed. Opening the food and trade expo with a title of “tawid Ken kultura” which showcase Ilocos Surians talent with weaving, beautiful plants, sculpture, delicious foods and more. At the Same day, The most awaited pageant in the whole province held its pre-pageant competition. It comes with question and answer, cat walks and more. It is where top 15 was chosen for the Grand coronation night. 

LGBT Day, it was filled with LGBT related events like talent competition, quennawidan, and pre pageant. It was also celebrated that day and the next day. And additional to it, an art competition was also held at the same day. With both two different events and main theme, both of it showcase the art of Love, Happiness, Photography and more. 

February 2, 2023 was the most memorable Kannawidan day for me, for my family and for my friends. 

As we went and participated with the annual Kannawidan mass, we also spent an hour or two, watching the Grand parade that showcase Ilocos Surians strong Foundation. But it is not the most grandacious event of the day but it was the long awaited Miss Ilocos Sur. With all ladies representing the different municipaloties and cities fighting to home this beautiful one of an opportunity title, experience and a crown. From top 15, to top 10, and to top 5, all ladies fought from answering with a great mind, walking confidently wearing a swimsuit and showing grace and posture in evening gown. From 32 representative down to only 5 ladies, from one position to another, Miss Vigan was crowned as the Miss Ilocos Sur 2023. 

After the Miss Ilocos Sur, parades, contests, and more events happened till the end of the annual celebration. With 18 days straight of celebrating the so called Festival, everything must come to an end. “To make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from.”