Barrio Fiesta: Filipino's celebrate independence day in Belfast
Thousands of people have been celebrating the traditions, heritage and cuisine of the Philippines in Belfast. Barrio Fiesta, which celebrates Filipino independence day, was held at a community centre on the Grosvenor Road.The event came at a significant moment for Filipinos living in Northern Ireland, some of whom were caught up in recent disorder in Ballymena following a peaceful protest over an alleged sexual assault.After the fear caused by the racially motivated violence, many told BBC News NI how a "positive" event like this is important for their community.
Timothy, who lives in Belfast with his wife and son, ran a stall at the event.He said it was very enjoyable day: "Whenever we have these kind of events everyone is just enjoying it, you don't see any negatives, everything is positive.""Usually it is all about food, because a lot of the Filipinos here don't get to have or enjoy the traditional food that we have out in the Philippines.""You can only fully find these foods whenever we have this kind of event."Timothy added it is a great chance to meet people who have also arrived from the Philippines and elsewhere."It's a great chance to have fun, meet new people. Especially the Filipino community in Belfast, you don't really see a lot of them, until you come to an event like this.""It's also a chance to reconnect with our home country."
Barrio Fiesta translates to "neighbourhood festival" in Tagalog, a regional language of the Philippines. The event celebrated Filipino heritage, traditions, and cuisine.There was dancing, food stalls and many different Filipino businesses present.Many of those attending were looking forward to a performance from the famous Filipino actor and singer Ian Veneracion.
Tina Black, manager of the Grosvenor Community Centre, said the event has been happening for just over two decades."When many of the Filipino community started coming to Belfast they were looking for somewhere to play basketball, and for the children to engage.""So we decided to hold big celebrations for them during the year and one of them was independence day."
Following the recent disorder in Ballymena and other areas of Northern Ireland she said some Filipinos had been worried about getting to the event. She said: "I was unsettled to know that people who contribute so much, to this place, had any concerns about public transport."Thankfully there was no concern about this venue, as we have such a strong relationship," Tina added.
Carol Panday who helped organise the event said it gets bigger every year with approximately 2000 expected to attend. Referring to the violent scenes in Ballymena she said it was "great for us to be here".However, Carol says there is still some fear: "Even my colleagues that came over from London, some of them were asking me if it was safe to travel to Belfast."
Recent disorder in Ballymena led some residents to homes displaying stickers outlining the residents' nationalities. Signs which read "Filipino lives here" could be seen on some doors.Businesses and homes were attacked and damaged and a number of vehicles were also set on fire in the area.
Crystal Gay Galula & Michael Arco operated a coffee stand at the event. "Well this year is our first year, its overwhelming, the amount of people around here, it feels like you are in the Philippines.""It shows they all love Filipino culture, the music, the food, it's great to see this."
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