South Africans learn about Filipino fiesta

FESTIVALS in the Philippines are an integral part of local life and include celebrations of important moments in history, arts, culture and religion.

Although South Africans have not been able to travel to the country because of the pandemic, some festivals were brought to local audiences virtually through the Fiesta Filipinas initiative of the country’s embassy in SA. Ambassador Joseph Gerard Angeles invited guests to a number of festivals which were broadcast via Zoom, with his office sending out an experience kit ahead of each event containing a traditional item (such as a palm fan or paper flower) to make some sweet or savoury delicacies and details of that festival.

Festivals in the Philippines are a common occurrence, with thousands of major and minor colourful festivals celebrated across the islands.

The selected festivals – with tutorials on how to make the items – can be watched on Youtube at youtube. COM/DFAPHL and include the Giant Lantern Festival, Sinulog, Dinagyang and Ati-atihan Festival, Panagbenga and Visita Iglesia (which takes visitors on a tour of historic Catholic church sites).