 |
The
annual Damili festival at Christmas |
| Photo Courtesy of www.visit-ilocos.com |
Earlier
studies show that Ilocanos were traced from Malay migrations
to the province but it does not give exact date of their
coming. However, historians are certain the dominant race
is more or less in Malay origin.
Ilocanos, today, comprise the overwhelming majority of
the province’s inhabitants, although there are small
communities of Isnegs and Tinguians found in the eastern
and southeastern towns of the province.
The hundred years of Spanish settlement in the province
brought Ilocanos with a diverse culture. As visibly seen,
Ilocos Norte is home to many old Spanish inspired houses
and centuries-old Catholic churches.
 |
Abel
weaving - a loom at Paoay |
Photo
Courtesy of www.visit-ilocos.com |
To name a few, St. Augustine Church is a unique edifice
in the country as it was fashioned from an earthquake
baroque style. It is built mainly of coral blocks and
bricks. The structure was completed in 1760. Today, the
church is listed in the UNESCO World heritage. The St.
William’s Cathedral is another Spanish built church,
which has a tower patterned after the famous campanile
in northern Italy. Once regarded as the tallest in the
archipelago, it has slowly sunk to the ground such that
its original gate which was spacious for a man on horseback
to enter has become very low and any person who enters
into it had to stoop.
The province has had illustrious sons who are among the
country’s foremost heroes. Today, these prominent
personalities in their respective times have seen their
ancestral homes transformed into museums, which houses
their masterpieces and their memorabilia.
 |
Good
Friday Procession in San Nicolas |
| Photo
Courtesy of www.visit-ilocos.com |
There
are several festivals being celebrated here to depict
the distinct culture of the Ilocanos. Most popular is
the Guling-Guling Festival held in Paoay.
Ilocos
Norte is proud to exhibit the native’s craftsmanship
in every light industry that requires creativity. Among
which are weaving, pottery, blacksmithing and furniture
making.
Today, the province is developing the weaving industry
as it extensively promotes the locally produced Abel Iloco.
