The Hilo Barrio Fiesta will take place on Saturday, October 25, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Campus Center Plaza of the University of Hawaii at Hilo. This free event, organized by the Hawaii Association for Filipino Educators (HAFE) in collaboration with the Samahang Club of Hawaii Community College, the Bayanihan Club, and the Filipino Studies Certificate Program of UH Hilo, aims to celebrate and honor Filipino culture.
As part of the festivities, the event will feature a variety of activities that highlight Filipino heritage. Attendees can enjoy an array of Filipino food trucks, live music, and cultural performances. Family-friendly children’s games, an art exhibit, karaoke, a balut eating contest, and educational activities focused on Filipino history in Hawaii will also be available. This celebration coincides with Filipino American History Month, which commemorates the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the continental United States on October 18, 1587.
In Hawaii, Filipinos represent the second-largest ethnic group and were the last immigrant group brought to the islands as plantation laborers, known locally as sakadas. The significance of this month is echoed by Jofaira Manarpiis, president of the Samahang Club of Hawaii Community College, who stated, “The Filipino people have made significant contributions to the abundant tapestry of Hawaii’s history, a legacy we must not only honor but actively keep alive through the vibrant transmission of our culture to future generations.”
Manarpiis extended an invitation to all community members, emphasizing the importance of participation in this meaningful celebration. The Hilo Barrio Fiesta not only serves as an opportunity to enjoy Filipino traditions but also fosters a sense of pride and belonging among attendees.
This event represents a vital aspect of cultural preservation and community engagement, encouraging residents and visitors alike to embrace and celebrate the rich Filipino heritage in Hawaii. With a diverse program planned, the Hilo Barrio Fiesta promises to be an enriching experience for everyone involved.