Sinulog, Philippine festivals to be held virtually in 2021

  DUBAI – Popular Philippine festivals, including the Sinulog, will be held virtually in 2021 as part of safety efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic, a Philippine official said. “How will the fiestas be next year? A lot of our government units have decided that these will be online. For example, one of the biggest festivals that we have here is the Sinulog of Cebu and the local government and church have decided it will be online,” said Roberto Alabado, Undersecretary of the Tourism Regulation Coordination & Resource Generation of the Department of Tourism. “It’s the same with Ati-Atihan. These will be online because local government units are abiding by health and safety guidelines,” Alabado added. Alabado made the statement at the media launch of Fiesta Filipinas on Monday, attended by Expatmedia.net. Fiesta Filipinas will feature eight of the most popular Philippine festivals in a virtual setting starting on December 19. The online festival series will run until May 29. The multi-format online event will simulate the experience of a festival through a combination of live and pre-recorded videos and live workshops and activities. “We’re hoping to bring the experience of Philippine fiestas—though it will be on screen—closer to people’s hearts,” said Marie Yvette Banzon-Abalos, Acting Head of Office at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Office of Strategic Communications and Research. Abalos said those who want to view the festivals from their online screens can go to the DFA Facebook page or website, starting with the Giant Lantern Festival on December 19. Timings will also be announced through the websites of Philippine consulates and embassies around the world. The Fiesta Filipinas project aims to introduce and showcase Philippine festivals, culture, and traditions to the global audience and invite them to the Philippines. It is a project of the Department of Foreign Affairs in cooperation with the Department of Tourism and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. PIA/Expat Media

When to watch Philippine festivals online

Catch the action on https://www.facebook.com/dfaphl   December 19: Giant Lantern Festival January 30: Sinulog Festival / Ati-Atihan Festival / Dinagyang Festival February 27: Panagbenga Festival March 20: Visita Iglesia April 24: Lami-Lamihan Festival May 29: Flores de Mayo
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