1st Grand Cañao Bologna, Italy June 2, 2012

THE FIRST GRAND CANYAO in ITALY  

The term “Canyao” originates from the Igorot/Cordillera culture during festivity and rituals of pagans. It is usually done for many reasons like asking Kabunyan for a good harvest, good health, forgiveness of sins, and thanksgiving. It is celebrated with dances and songs accompanied by our traditional instruments such as gongs, solibao and others. In our present time, just as “headhunting” doesn’t exist, it is not already celebrated as before. Being in the new millennium and because of the spread of Christianity, “Canyao” or celebration of festivity and rituals nowadays is being celebrated mostly for gatherings and presentation of cultural traditions like “Panagbenga” the flower festival of Baguio, “Lang-ay,” “Adivay” and many others in different parts of the Cordillera.

As an Igorot tradition, we decided to organize this gathering for the same reasons. We believe as migrant workers away from our native land, we too have our chance to hold gatherings for a common purpose and reason reviving the Igorot heritage and Igorot culture. We also aimed to organize the first Grand “Canyao” to promote the existing associations in the country serving as an instrument to deepen and strengthen the camaraderie among Igorot associations and individuals here in Italy. In this way, we can exercise the spirit of unity, oneness, cooperation and uniqueness of our culture. 

Presently there are already five existing Igorot associations in Italy. They are the CMWA (Cordillera Migrant Workers Association) of Milan and Como, Italy; Cordillerans in Italy of Bologna and Modena, Italy, Cordillerans in Italy of Modena, Italy; UCWRI (United Cordillera Workers in Rome Italy), ULNOS di Mountain Province in Rome, Italy.

The Program

The first Grand Canyao in Italy, to be recorded in the history of the Cordillerans was held last June 2, 2012. A few days before the program, an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.7 on the Richter scale hit the city of Bologna with the epicenter located in Modena about 20 kilometers away. This disaster did not hinder us to proceed for we believe in Kabunyan’s blessing and protection for His children.

The program proceeded smoothly starting with a colorful parade of the associations and their  members. It was followed by cultural presentations, country line dances and other musical presentations. ULNOS di Mountain Province Association was awarded, “Best in Cultural Presentation.”

The theme of the first Grand Canyao was “Raising Awareness of our Igorot Cultural Heritage.” It was adapted from one of the consultations of ICBE (Igorot Cordillera BIMAAK Europe) as the title is very much connected to our purpose and objective. Our guest speaker, Atty. Viveca Catalig, POEA Administrator-in-charge in Rome, encouraged us to  continue to preserve our authentic culture, customs and traditions; to be proud of our beliefs, our rituals, our dances, our music, our art, values, costumes and traditions for these are the things that distinguish us from other races. She emphasized the importance of passing these values from generation to generation especially to our children who were born and brought up here with a different culture.

Conclusion  

The first Grand Canyao was a success. It brought everyone together despite our busy work schedule, the distance travelled and the recent earthquake. This Grand Canyao will be our inspiration and guide for more successful Grand Canyaos to come. Though we are all Igorots, this affair could help us understand more each other’s cultural traditions, dances and practices or beliefs so we will respect and appreciate each other's differences.

As boundaries diffuse in this ever-shrinking world, unity becomes more necessary. Only when we unite, can we can truly cope with the challenges. Let us be like our fingers. They are five independent units, close them and the fists multiply in strength. We believe that the strongest organization comes from men and women who are working independently towards one goal in unison. And as inspired by the ICBE, may it also be the gate opener in extending our links to European and/or international Igorot ties. The next Grand Canyao will be held in Rome, Italy in the year 2014.

Sala-salamat endakayo amin!!!

Marilyn Aro-Forte

Cordillerans in Italy

Bologna-Modena Italy

Hannah Baguingey-Langpuyas

Cordillera Migrant Workers Association

Como-Milan Italy