The towns of Ilocos Norte are beehives of traditional crafts and trades. The making of pots, mats, cloth, blankets, bolos (multi-purpose knives) and basi (sugarcane wine) are important sources of livelihood. In particular, the abel Iloko (hand wooven cloth) has found ready markets both here and abroad.
The proximity of the Luzon Sea has challenged the people of Ilocos Norte to plough its coastal waters for whatever food and livelihood opportunities it can yield. Local folks trap and gather fish, snails, clams, octopus, shrimp, seaweeds and other edibles for personal consumption. Salt making and bagoong (fish paste) production are likewise conducted
Tobacco leaves are flue-cured in a tall structure known as the pugon (from Spanish fogon or fumace).
Ilocos Norte is a narrow plain bounded by water on the north (the Babuyan Chanel) and the west (the South China Sea) and jammed in by the mountains on the east and south (the Cordillera of the provinces of Cagayan, Apayao, Kalinga, Abra and Ilocos Sur).
Various artifacts.
The highlands of the eastern and southern parts of Ilocos Norte are homes to a number of ethno-linguistic groups.
Everybody loves a show, and a small stage-decked out in provincial style, has been set up for lectures and informal performances for the benefit of small groups. A 15-minute video provides an introduction of Ilocos Norte musical traditions.
For changing exhibits.
Bamboo has been the source of many musical instruments in the province: pito (flute), kulkultong (bamboo zither) and (jaws harp), among others. Other traditional instruments are the ludag (log drum) and tangguyob (carabao horn). Western-influenced instruments include the arpa (harp) and tambor (drum).
The market is regarded as a social and economic institution by the people of Ilocos Norte. In Laoag, the market is open everyday. In smaller towns, market day is held once or twice a week. Here, one can find sellers and buyers haggling with each other. Noisy vendors broadcast the merits of their goods. For