Ottawa Filipino festival postponed in wake of Vancouver attack

The Filipino food and music festival, Fun Philippines Ottawa Food and Music Street Festival, which was supposed to debut in Ottawa later this month has been postponed. This decision came after the tragic car-ramming attack at a Filipino street festival in Vancouver that resulted in the loss of eleven lives and multiple injuries. The festival was set to take place on May 17 along Wellington Street in front of Parliament Hill, marking its inaugural event in Ottawa.

Philip Mendoza, chair of the Philippine Legacy and Cultural Alliance, expressed the need to pause and reflect on the situation following the Vancouver incident. The safety of the festival attendees and honoring the victims were the primary concerns that led to the postponement. The decision was met with mixed reactions from vendors and partners, but ultimately, the organizers felt it was best to hold off on the event.

Local Filipino community members, like radio host Dan de Castro, expressed their disappointment over the festival’s delay. While looking forward to the cultural celebration, de Castro understood the cautious approach taken by the organizers in light of recent safety concerns raised within the community.

Aimee Beboso, chair of Migrante Ottawa, echoed the sentiment of erring on the side of caution and the importance of sensitivity following the Vancouver tragedy. She emphasized the need to prioritize safety and acknowledged the challenges of moving forward without compromising security measures.

Organizers plan to collaborate with city officials and law enforcement to enhance security protocols for the future event. Discussions include the possibility of fencing off the festival area, installing concrete barriers, and increasing police presence to ensure a safe environment for attendees.

Although a new date for the festival has not been set, Mendoza expressed hope that when it does happen, it will bring joy and a sense of community celebration. The essence of Filipino culture, known for its vibrant festivities and communal spirit, aims to be showcased in the event as a way of honoring the victims of the Vancouver tragedy while promoting unity and cultural appreciation.