2024 Flores de Mayo & Filipino Fiesta:
Special Features
SANTACRUZAN
We are excited to announce that kicking off this year’s Flores de Mayo & Filipino Fiesta will be the Santacruzan procession along Mokuola Street. This celebration during Flores de Mayo in the Philippines will feature our kabataan and keiki (children ages 5-17). The characters they portray represent different versions of the Virgin Mary with our final character, Reyna Elena (Queen Helena), mother of Constantine the Great, who found the Holy Cross. Showcase your best Filipiniana attire and walk under a beautifully handemade bamboo arko (arch). Are you and your child interested in being a part of this traditional procession? Sign up today by registering in-person or clicking the button below.
B. O. D. B. (BEST OF DA BEST) ADOBO COOK OFF — FAMILY EDITION
Calling all home cooks! It's that time once again. Do you think your adobo is the best on Oʻahu? We’re looking for the best home-cooked Adobo on the island, but this time we're looking for family duos. Ask your Mom, Dad, Sister, Brother, cousin, etc. to partner with you and present your best family Adobo recipe! Let's put your recipe to the test and compete in our “Best of Da Best Adobo” Cook Off. Show off your classic, creative, or vegetarian/vegan recipe at Fiesta. Do you have what it takes to win the title, “Best of Da Best?”
BALUT EATING CONTEST
Bring your appetite and compete against others on who can eat 3 balut eggs the fastest! Balut is a Filipino delicacy loved (and feared) by all! Contest starts at 12:45 pm. Sign up and let’s hatch your embryonic duck egg lunch on the main stage!
SARI SARI STORE
Experience a piece of home at the Filipino Fiesta with our Sari Sari Store, your local corner of classic Filipino goods! Browse through and discover an assortment of favorite Filipino snacks and sweet treats to stock up on and fill your shopping bags!
The Sari Sari Store is located near the entrance of the FilCom Center and will be open from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm.
FILIPINIANA MARKET
Shoppers will have the opportunity to discover brand new and gently used Filipiniana clothing from Barong Tagalog to Maria Clara gowns to Kimonas. Or, you can participate in our clothing swap: bring a Filipiniana piece to exchange 1 for 1 with another donated item at the Market. Clothing will be available on a first-come first-served basis.
Want to donate Filipiniana Clothing for the market?
We will accept gently used Filipiniana attire for all ages and sizes, in good condition, clean, and free from damage or stains. Filipiniana attire includes: Barong Tagalog, Baro't Saya, Kimona, Maria Clara, Terno, and Filipiniana Gowns.
Donation Drop Off:
April 29-May 2 (9am-8pm) and May 3 (9am-4pm)
FilCom Center, 94-428 Mokuola St, Waipahu
All proceeds from the sales of donated items will benefit FilCom. With your help, we aim to provide access to traditional attire for individuals of all ages while promoting sustainability and community spirit!
HABI AT BARO
Embark on a cultural and interactive journey through the Habi at Baro Exhibit inside the Filipino Community Center Ballroom.
HABI AT BARO showcases indigenous fabrics, jewelry and artifacts from different areas of the Philippines collected over a three-year period by artist and designer Iris Viacrusis. Funded by grants from the Atherton Foundation, Bank of Hawaiʻi, and the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority, Iris crisscrossed the Philippines, visiting towns and tribal communities from the north to the south of the country’s 7,000 islands, selecting hand-woven clothing (including four looms) and artifacts. The 2024 exhibit marks its second year as a major feature of the Flores de Mayo & Filipino Fiesta. Salamat to our sponsors: Aloha Tours and Travel, Eva Andres, R&M Reyes Enterprise, LLC, Vanessa Kop.
Free tours of Habi at Baro will be available exclusively to school groups (ages 5 - 18 and college students) during the day from Tuesday, April 30 through Thursday, May 2. Teachers or instructors can sign up to reserve their preferred time slot.
The general public is welcome to visit the exhibit without reservations 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm on Tuesday, April 30 through Thursday, May 2 as well as during the 2024 Flores de Mayo & Filipino Fiesta on Saturday, May 4, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm.
CONSUELO CULTURAL VILLAGE
We aim to create an immersive experience at the Cultural Village, showcasing diverse aspects of Filipino heritage, traditions, and contributions. Our stage transforms into a platform for cultural expression celebrating the vibrancy of Filipino arts. Engage with representatives from a variety of Filipino organizations, discovering their initiatives aimed at enriching and empowering our community. Whether you're deeply immersed in Filipino culture or just beginning to explore, there's something for everyone to enjoy, learn, and experience in our Cultural Village.
KABATAAN BARANGAY
Filipino Fiesta would not be complete without activities for our youngest Fiesta attendees. Kabataan Barangay (aka Keiki Village) is an immersive space designed to celebrate Filipino heritage through engaging activities such as traditional games, arts and crafts, and storytelling for children. Our Kabataan Barangay will also feature a traditional pabitin. Pabitin is a lively game played during celebrations and town fiestas. This exciting game uses a bamboo lattice with goodies and toys attached to strings. The players try to grab as many prizes as they can as the grid is lowered and raised. It’s an experience not to be missed! Please join us for a safe family-friendly experience at our Kabataan Barangay. Tara na! (Let’s go!)
FILIPINO ORAL HISTORY PROJECT
The Filipino Oral History Project aims to explore the deep-rooted narratives and history attached to our precious family heirlooms and items, encapsulating our shared Filipino culture.
Whether it's a well-loved piece of jewelry, a cherished folk recipe book, or a faded old letter from our homeland, every artifact has a story to tell and we want to hear yours.
Become a voice in our cultural narrative by applying for the Filipino Oral History Project. Simply fill out the online form with your availability for an interview, and we'll curate a diverse selection of participants, celebrating the richness of our culture. If chosen, you'll craft a short narrative about your treasured heirloom to share during your scheduled interview, preserving your piece of our collective story.