Filipinos all around the world can soon experience the exhilarating joys of participating in iconic festivals from the Philippines at the comforts of their homes with the upcoming ‘Fiesta Pilipinas’ project.
Fiesta Pilipinas is a six-part online celebration of the Philippines’ most celebrated festivals around the country including the Sinulog Festival, the Panagbenga Festival, Giant Lantern Festival, and more that spans six months from December 2020 to May 2021.
DFA Office of Strategic Communications and Research Acting Head Marie Yvette Banzon-Abalos stated that they aim to bring the celebrations closer to many Filipinos around the world by capitalizing on livestreams powered by social media.
Department of Tourism (DOT) Undersecretary for Tourism Regulation, Coordination and Resource Generation Roberto Alabado III said that they are working closely with local government units to ensure that the experience across all festivals will not only be enjoyable, but safe as well for everyone in attendance on site.
National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCAA) Chairman Arsenio Lizaso, in a pre-recorded messages, shared the importance of continuing the tradition of these festivals that bring forth joy and excitement among Filipinos no matter where they are in the world.
Hosts Paolo Abrera Chal Lontoc will be providing viewers worldwide with insights and perspectives of each festival, with the first of the series to celebrate Pampanga’s ‘Giant Lantern Festival’ set this coming December 19, 2020.
An online launch held on December 7, 2020 revealed the schedule of events that Filipinos around the world can engage with through Facebook live events and watch parties broadcast through the pages of the Philippine Embassies and Consulates worldwide.
December 19, 2020 – Giant Lantern Festival
January 30, 2021 – Sinulog Festival / Ati-atihan Festival / Dinagyang Festival
February 27, 2021 – Panagbenga Festival
March 20, 2021 – Visita Iglesia
April 24, 2021 – Lami-lamihan Festival
May 29, 2021 – Flores de Mayo
What separates ‘Fiesta Pilipinas’ from other streamed events is that Filipinos may also get their very own ‘Fiesta Pilipinas’ kit that will provide a ‘multi-sensory’ experience that they can use to engage with the live-streamed fiesta celebrations. Overseas Filipinos who wish to get a kit and participate for the ‘Fiesta Pilipinas’ celebrations can contact their nearest Embassy or Consulate.
The project is spearheaded by the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs – Office of Strategic Communications and Research — Cultural Diplomacy Division, in cooperation with the Department of Tourism and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
