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Fiesta sa Wellington is an event that will showcase the diversity, colour and beauty of the Philippines – and Filipino
culture in New Zealand – over this coming Labour weekend
The Filipino festival will be held in Wellington, Hutt City and Porirua from Friday 23 October to Sunday 25 October -
and promises a fantastic line-up of events.
New Zealand’s Filipino population is about 17,000 strong – and much of the Filipino community in the Wellington region
will be taking part in the festival.
The highlight of Fiesta sa Wellington is expected on Saturday 24 October at the Lower Hutt Town Hall and Horticultural
Hall. Filipino culture will be on show with events such as the Paralong Fiesta – participants will have the chance to
try traditional Filipino games at this free event.
The Filipiniana cultural show to be held in the evening will include talents performed by pageant contestants and a
variety of traditional Filipino dance performances. Tickets will cost $15.
On Sunday 25 October, also in the Lower Hutt Town Hall, is the Bb Filipinas-NZ Beauty Pageant. General admission will be
$25 and premier admission $30.
Market stalls will be open outside Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua on Saturday and Sunday from about 8.30am-5.30pm and in
the Lower Hutt Horticultural Hall from 10am–11pm on Saturday. The stalls will provide a delectable range of culinary
delights both handmade locally and imported from the Philippines.
Festival organizer Anita Mansell says annual Filipino festivals have been held for over 20 years in New Zealand. This
year she hopes it to be bigger and better than ever and involve more of the wider community.
“The Philippines – a nation of 100 million people spread over 7000 islands - is home to an amazing, incredibly diverse
culture and the festival gives Wellingtonians a chance to sample that culture. We welcome everyone to take part in what
will be a fantastic array of performances, displays and unique delicious food”.
The festival also includes sports competitions for basketball, badminton, volleyball, golf, billiards, bowling and table
tennis.
For more information, visit www.fiestasawellington.co.nz .
ENDS