Berne, 17 June 2017 – The Philippine Embassy, in partnership with the Filipino Community Network Bern and Filipinos across Switzerland, staged the first ever Philippine Fiesta in Switzerland at the Waisenhausplatz in the center of the City of Swiss capital Berne.

The event kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and Ati-atihan and Sinulog performances, two of the most colorful festivals in the Philippines. Twenty-six (26) stalls selling traditional cuisine and delicacies as well as Philippine-made products (fashion jewelry and handicrafts) offered a rich Filipino cultural experience. 

Ati-atihan and Sinulog dance at the Waisenhausplatz

The day came alive with performances from young Swiss-Filipino talents playing Filipino popular music, and dance numbers ranging from traditional Igorot dance and line dance using Filipino music, to Latin-Caribbean influence Salsa. Second-generation Filipino-Swiss participated and danced with the music. 

Between 8,000 and 10,000 foot traffic was registered during the whole-day event. Attendees at the event included members of the Diplomatic Corps, officials from the Swiss government, representatives of the business community, Filipinos across Switzerland and neighboring countries of Austria, Germany, Italy and Liechtenstein. 

Stalls with Philippine cuisines and dry good products

Between 8,000 and 10,000 foot traffic was registered during the whole-day event. Attendees at the event included members of the Diplomatic Corps, officials from the Swiss government, representatives of the business community, Filipinos across Switzerland and neighboring countries of Austria, Germany, Italy and Liechtenstein.

The Philippine Fiesta was the first of its kind held in Switzerland. It was conceptualized by the Philippine Embassy as a way to help promote the best of the Philippines and the Filipinos. END