Let the Tradition Prevail Amongst Pandemic

            Endless fun and laughter. Festive lights and street dances. Parades and various food stalls. This what describes a Festival if I commit it to mind. Each year, we’ve celebrated festivals upon festivals. Every corner of a town would be filled with colorful and festive lights and banners. People would gather all around to create a big crowd and witness the beauty of what’s about to come. Merchants and vendors from different towns come together, not only for business, but to enjoy the show as well. Various games, activities and fun things await the people for them to enjoy themselves and also for those whom are around to watch. Festivals are a part of our culture and tradition. It is one of the most significant events within a community. Just like in every town, region and country, in the province of Ilocos Sur is dated an important event known as the Kannawidan Ylocos Festival whom are celebrated by the Ilocano people. On the last week of January until the first week of February is when it starts and how long the Festival lasts – located at the Tamag grounds of Vigan City.

 

           During this festival is where it shows off what the cities of Ilocos Sur are known for. From its culture, traditions, products and dishes – these are all to be seen in one place. To think of it already delights and uplifts me. I mean, who wouldn’t be excited for such a big event? I’ve been to the Kannawidan Ylocos Festival myself before, probably like 2 times, which is two separate years of course. I could personally say that I had fun. There were so much people, every path was flooded with people just roaming around and enjoying themselves. The atmosphere was lively. Smiles can be seen on people’s faces, you can hear laughter in every direction. The smell of food around you even makes everything better. Even tourists were attracted to the site and decided to hang around as well. Although, all of this were just before the pandemic emerged.

            As the pandemic came, it put a halt to many events and that include the Kannawidan Ylocos Festival. For me to look upon the grounds wherein this Festival was held for years to be deserted was devastating. It wasn’t a pleasant sight to look at for it was just blank. We’ve missed out a lot of things in life to be fair. This year was quite different though, even though the virus was still on the loose, the city then decided to uplift the Ilocano’s spirits by commencing the said Festival and of course, it was safe to do so since vaccines were rolling out that time. The Festival may haven’t been like the previous ones from before, but there’s no doubt that it was still an event celebrating for. It wasn’t as lively nor festive-like as before, but us Ilocanos never failed to show off our culture and tradition. Therefore, we never let our tradition just die in vain.

            In conclusion to all of this, pandemic or not, Ilocanos have never failed to showcase the beauty of culture and tradition in our province. It is unique and special in its own way. It is a Festival wherein it brings Ilocanos closer and for our economy to develop and grow.

References/Resources: https://tinyurl.com/5dka9yk2

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