‘Kannawidan Ylocos’ in Vigan offers wonders

VIGAN CITY – This Year of the Sheep or Goat, historic Vigan City of Ilocos Sur in northern Luzon will combine first class attraction of ancient art, culture, tradition and modern times as it kicks off the month-long Kannawidan Ylocos (Tradition or Heritage Ylocos) Festival starting on Jan. 29.
The seven-year-old “ Kannawidan Festival” pays tribute to Vigan City as one of the new wonder cities of the world.
Vigan was established on Feb. 2, 1818 through a Spanish Royal decree concomitant with is rich history, tradition and culture.
In fact, some well traveled people say Vigan City resembles some parts of old France because of its cobbled streets and architecture that spans from Europe brought about mostly by the Spaniards who ruled over the Philippines for more than 300 years, specks of Mexicans and sprinkling of Chinese that makes the city quaint and charming.

Ilocos Sur Governor Ryan Singson, who welcomed a large number of visitors during the holidays who stayed on for a while to savor their vacation in Vigan, said that year 2015 has so much to share with the world from warm Ilocos Sur.
Singson encouraged visitors coming from all over the country and expatriates and their families to come back and see what’s brimming all over the province as it enters the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) integration.
Singson said that aside from festivities, Vigan City will showcase a lovely fashion show presenting the most admired “abel Iloco”, art exhibits, traditional games and sports, as well as the Ilocano version of Masbate province’s rodeo where lassoing and tying up of cows or calves is a wonder feat.
“Kannawidan Ylocos is a series of events that offer everything our province mates and tourists wanted to enjoy in a festival. What we proclaim as ”Sure Ilocos Sur” is a sure complete package of fun and entertainment that is really ours,” said Singson..
A concelebrated mass followed by parade of statues of patron saints around the historic city of Vigan ushers in the carnival at the Quirino Stadium which is on its final phase of renovation as the main hub.
Products of Ilocos Sur and from nearby provinces such as Ilocos Norte and the Cordilleras (Benguet, Apayao, Ifugao, Mt. Province) and Nueva Vizcaya) will be exhibited in the trade fair highlighted by the “longanisa” eating contest and cooking competition.
Among the most highly anticipated events on Jan. 29 are “Saniata ti Ylocos,” or local beauty pageant contest, and the giving out of Father Jose Burgos Achievement Awards that will honor the province’s outstanding daughters and sons here and abroad.
Also on tap are cultural and motor shows, talent searches and the competitions in practical shooting, mixed martial arts and running.
For nightcaps, there will be shows dished out by mostly Manila-based entertainers and artists which is expected to attract a sell-out crowd, especially if there are big names from the entertainment world in their midst.