Momoland becomes ‘señoritas’ at Ilocos Sur’s ‘Feria de Candon’ festival

December 12, 2018 - 3:32 PM
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South Korean girl group Momoland joined Ilocos Sur’s annual “Feria de Candon” or Candon’s Fair while they were in the province for their free mini-concert courtesy of the Ilocos Sur local government.

The “Feria de Candon” is a commemoration of Ilocos Sur’s trade fair exhibition that started in the province 126 years ago.

The group visited museums and mentioned that they “explored” the city’s history through their excursion. In addition, they also participated in the annual parade celebrated by the locals of Candon City.

The 22 municipalities of the city created colorful floats in accordance with a theme to impress fellow Ilocanos and tourists, both local and foreign.

This year’s theme consisted of a flowers’ different varieties, where each float was decorated with flowers like marigold, plumeria and rose.

Candon City Mayor Ericson Singson revealed that the parade promotes the different cultures, practices and products of the towns in Ilocos Sur’s second district.

The parade is a competition that also recognizes the best electric floats created by a municipality.

Traditionally, a Señorita Feria de Candon or muses of different municipalities from the “Señorita Feria de Candon” beauty pageant would ride the floats.

The pageant is part of the event that aims to feature the beauty of each municipality’s representative.

This year, Candon featured the Momoland members as honorary Señoritas Feria de Candon along with the winners of the pageant.

‘Feria de Candon’ up close

The “Feria de Candon” is part of Ilocos Sur’s initiative to showcase the province’s one-town-one-product (OTOP) of Candon City and its municipalities every December through various activities.

Mayor Singson revealed that the festival boosts the city’s economy since different tourists would flock the province and participate in the event.

It usually features the electrical float parade, a painting contest, Battle of the Bands, lighting of the giant Christmas tree, the Señorita de Feria beauty pageant, a Christmas costume contest and a musical concert, among others.

“Feria de Candon” was first celebrated in the city on December 1892. It was originally a trade exhibit that featured the local products of the Ilocos region.

The fair was called “Primera Feria Exposicion de le Provincia de Ilocos Sur” (First Fair Exhibition of the Province of Ilocos Sur) that was attended by local and foreign dignitaries.

The event stopped at some point in history and was only revived fourteen years ago under a modified purpose. The local government unit added tourist-friendly activities such as the electric float parade and musical contests, among others.

House Deputy Speaker Eric Singson shared that Candon’s local economy has greatly improved since the event’s revival. — Video by Uela Altar-Badayos