Experience the Beauty of Kannawidan Festival in Ilocos!

The Kannawidan Festival is one of the biggest and most exciting festivals in Ilocos Sur, Philippines. It is a celebration of the province’s rich culture, traditions, and history. Every year, locals and tourists come together to enjoy colorful parades, delicious food, and fun activities.

What is Kannawidan Festival?

The festival started in 2008 to honor the foundation of Ilocos Sur as a province. It usually happens in late January to early February in Vigan City, the capital of Ilocos Sur. The word “Kannawidan” means heritage or tradition, which is why the festival highlights the unique customs of the Ilocano people.

The IlOCoS sur Kannawidan Festival 2023 Street Dance Competition | Province of Ilocos Sur. (2023, February 12). https://mis.ilocossur.gov.ph/2023/02/12/the-ilocos-sur-kannawidan-festival-2023-street-dance-competition/

Things to See and Do at Kannawidan Festival

•     Street Dancing and Parades:

Watch colorful street dancing with traditional Ilocano costumes and see floats decorated with local products and symbols.

•       Traditional Games and Contests:

Enjoy competitions like tug-of-war, sack races, a basi drinking contest (using local sugarcane wine), and a crop contest.

Guquib, E. (2016, February 2). EDMARATION #TownExplorer: 🇵🇭 BANTAY • Kannawidan Festival: Where the countryside superlatives convene. EDMARATION #TownExplorer. https://www.edmaration.com/2016/02/bantay-kannawidan-festival-where.html

•    Trade Fair and Food Festival:

Shop for handwoven fabrics (like Abel Iloco), woodcrafts, souvenirs, and taste local foods such as empanada, bagnet, and longganisa.

Governor Jerry Singson and the rest of the provincial officials formally opened the Tawid ken Kultura, Ilocos Sur Trade and Food Expo as part of the celebration of Ilocos Sur Kannawidan Festival 2023. | Province of Ilocos Sur. (2023b, January 29). https://mis.ilocossur.gov.ph/2023/01/29/governor-jerry-singson-and-the-rest-of-the-provincial-officials-formally-opened-the-tawid-ken-kultura-ilocos-sur-trade-and-food-expo-as-part-of-the-celebration-of-ilocos-sur-kannawidan-festival-2023/

•    Religious and Cultural Shows:

Join in mass celebrations, religious processions, and cultural performances featuring folk dances and traditional songs.

•      Beauty Pageants and Concerts:

Cheer on contestants in the Kannawidan Festival Queen pageant and enjoy live concerts by popular Filipino artists.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DFxzkiEPhWM/?igsh=MXByZ2Foc3k4cmJydQ==

Why Visit?

Kannawidan Festival is the perfect place to experience Ilocano culture, history, and delicious food while enjoying fun activities and unforgettable performances.