The 33rd annual Pistahan Parade and Festival began Saturday, Aug. 8, in downtown San Francisco, bringing Filipino food, dance, music and community programming to Yerba Buena Gardens.
The free festival, organized by the Filipino American Arts Exposition, opened with a parade from Civic Center Plaza along Market Street, ending near Fourth and Mission streets. The celebration continues Sunday, Aug. 9, at Yerba Buena Gardens.
This year’s theme, “Laban: Purpose, Power, Pride,” recognizes the 40th anniversary of the 1986 People Power Revolution in the Philippines and the 10th anniversary of San Francisco’s SOMA Pilipinas Filipino Cultural Heritage District.
Pistahan has been held since 1994 and is among the largest Filipino cultural celebrations in the United States. The event features traditional and contemporary Filipino music, dance, art, crafts and cuisine, along with community and business exhibitors.
“Pistahan is one of the few places where you can experience the full richness and diversity of Filipino culture in one weekend,” Al Perez, president of the Filipino American Arts Exposition, said in a statement. “For 33 years, it has brought communities together, celebrated our heritage and welcomed everyone to experience the traditions, food, music and hospitality that define the Filipino spirit.”
Saturday’s parade featured cultural groups, community organizations, floats and performers from across California. Participating groups included Kariktan Dance Company, Mabuhay Folkloric Society and Kaisahan of San Jose.
Assemblymember Jessica Caloza served as the parade’s Hermana Mayor. Philippine Consul General Arnel Talisayon was named community grand marshal, while singer and actress Stephanie Reese served as celebrity grand marshal. SOMA Pilipinas was recognized as legacy grand marshal during its 10th anniversary year.
The parade concluded near Fourth and Mission streets, where participating contingents competed for awards in choreography, performance, spirit, spectacle and overall presentation.
SOMA Pilipinas was formally recognized by San Francisco in 2016 as the city’s Filipino cultural heritage district. The neighborhood has become a center for Filipino American arts, organizing, small businesses and cultural preservation in the South of Market area.
Pistahan continues Sunday at Yerba Buena Gardens. Admission is free.
