Filipino festival brings a taste of the Philippines to Kindersley
By Joan Janzen
Everyone lined the streets for the Filipino parade on Saturday morning, July 4, in Kindersley. Colourful costumes, floats and street dancing were all part of the MassKara Festival-themed parade. The MassKara Festival began in the Philippines more than 40 years ago in response to a period of tragedy and economic hardship, lifting people's spirits with brightly coloured masks.
Dressed to dazzle. A performer in a spectacular feathered headdress of red, orange and white carries festival props representing the Philippines and Kindersley during the Filipino Music and Food Festival parade down Main Street on Saturday. PHOTO BY KATE WINQUIST
More photos: click for larger images
“The festival resembles a get-together in the Philippines,” Caroline Andres, one of the organizers, said. “The laughter, street food, dancing, families walking together … it’s the same spirit you’d find at a fiesta back home.”
Kindersley’s colourful and lively procession led the way to the Norman Ritchie Centre, where the third annual Kindersley Filipino Festival brought a taste of the food, music, culture and hospitality of the Philippines.
“It is our third year doing this,” Caroline said. “When we did it the first time, we didn’t know if it would be well received, but each time we receive positive feedback.”
Food vendors serving family favourites were a popular attraction as Filipino performers shared their talents through music and dance. Everyone in the community enjoys the food, music and vibrant colours.
“But most of all, the people love the feeling of belonging,” she observed. “It’s a chance for Filipinos to share our culture with Kindersley and for our neighbours to celebrate right alongside us.”
A crowd favourite was a group known as the “Bagets,” the Filipino word for someone young and full of energy, a fitting name for the group of young-at-heart performers.
The youngest performers to take the stage are well known in the community. Both Althea Iligan and Daniella Reodique were on hand to showcase their musical talents.
Other popular performers in the lineup included Blunt, a local Alberta Filipino Canadian band, as well as Chris Rod, a grunge and alternative vocalist. Renowned performers Kristine Peralta, Maricar Vidal of Calgary and Maria Gana also provided entertainment throughout the weekend.
Saturday night’s lively dance party led the way to Sunday’s Family Day. The morning began with Zumba, followed by activities for the kids, including bouncy castles, face painting, balloon animals and mask making. Pinoy Bingo and other Filipino games were all part of the day as families enjoyed visiting together.
“The familiar mix of hospitality, celebration and community makes everyone feel at home,” Caroline said.
That welcoming atmosphere attracted Filipino residents from Eston, Eatonia, Leader, Kerrobert, Saskatoon and Oyen to Kindersley for another fun-filled festival. Family and friends gathered to enjoy the music, experience Filipino culture and savour a wide variety of Filipino cuisine.