SAN FRANCISCO – The largest celebration of Filipino Americans in San Francisco is back and bigger than ever featuring the return of the popular Adobo Cook-off and balut eating contests, delectable Filipino cuisine and desserts, cultural exhibits, and the return of the 2nd annual San Francisco Filipino-American jazz festival. Experience the best of Filipino art, dance, music and food at the 16th Annual Pistahan Parade and Festival on Aug. 8-9 at the Yerba Buena Gardens. The Pistahan Parade will take place Saturday Aug. 8 and features approximately 6 beautiful themed floats and approximately100 contingents. The parade will begin at 2nd St., march down Market Street, left on 5th Street, left on Folsom Street and end on 3rd St. The two-day event is expected to draw over 50,000 people. Both days will feature an array of entertainment and exhibits. The event is free and open to the public.
There will be 6 pavilions:
Art Pavilion: Visual art exhibits showcase an eclectic genre and styles of Filipino artists from local areas
and abroad through the cooperation of gallery owners, schools and art groups. Meet the artists and discover
the rich artistic heritage of the Philippines.
Dance Pavilion: Festival attendees can catch the rhythm and participate in folk dance demonstrations. This interactive pavilion will teach traditional folk dances for a memorable and immersive cultural experience.
Culinary Pavilion: Celebrating the many flavors of Philippine cuisine, local restaurants are invited to feature their specialty dishes and participate in the 5th annual Adobo Cookoff. Don’t miss the 3rd annual Balut Eating Contest and the 2nd annual Longanisa Eating Contest!
Heritage Pavilion: A mini Filipino museum displaying Philippine antiques, artifacts and material art from institutions and local collectors, often never displayed in public before. Connect with Filipino history and learn something new!
Creativity Pavilion: A creative space where children can get hands-on experience learning Filipino arts and crafts activities, traditional games Filipino children play and hear folklores and folktales.
Health Pavilion: Various community organizations will provide information and address the health care issues of our community.
The Pistahan Parade and Festival would like to invite the public to participate. For more information about the parade or being a sponsor, entertainer, or volunteer, contact Angela Pang, (415) 321-5894, apang@asianweek.com.
