Kannawidan Ylocos Festival

 Kannawidan is an Ilocano word that means "festivity of rich heritage and culture." It commemorates the 198th anniversary of the formation of Ilocos Sur, which was separated from Ilocos Norte by a Royal Decree on February 2, 1818. The 2016 Kannawidan Ylocos festival in Ilocos Sur officially began. The festival celebrates the province's heritage culture, which dates back two centuries.

The Bicentennial Ylocos Festival begins with the traditional opening ritual led by Governor Ryan Singson and Ilocos Sur's indigenous people. The festival honors the rich heritage, tradition, culture, arts, crafts, and delicacies of Ilocos Sur. In the annual Kannawidan Festival, locals revived traditional practices passed down by Ilocano elders, but made it more meaningful this 2022 due to the province's Bicentennial Kannawidan Ylocos festival. The traditional opening displays the identity, demonstrating that there is a culture that has developed over time and that we will continue our journey into the future.  The Kannawidan (local term for traditional practice) festival was also an opportunity to strengthen Ilocano culture, honor Ilocos Sur's sons and daughters who have brought honor to the province, celebrate abundant harvest, or simply celebrate the Ilocano spirit that continues to drive locals to improve the province. Various festivities were held, including trade, agriculture, aqua, and livestock displays, as well as a display of farm products. Tradition was also found in the culinary treats prepared by residents, which included Ilocos Sur delicacies. The festivities included street dancing and a competition between the products of the province's 22 towns. This is the first time that Street Dancing has been included as one of the highlights of the activities in Ilocos Sur. Other activities planned for the festival features the boodle fight, a ritual followed by a presentation of Ilocano traditions spiced with sports events, the Miss Saniata 2022, fireworks, a motor show, and concert.