29 July 2016 — As part of the 118th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence celebrations, around 2,000 Filipinos from all over Austria gathered to celebrate this year’s Barrio Fiesta on July 23 at the Sportplatz ATV Liesing in the 23rd District of Vienna.
The yearly event, which was organized by the Council of Filipino Associations in Austria in cooperation with the Philippine Embassy in Vienna, was a venue to showcase Philippine culture, food, arts and tourism.
In his speech, DCM Confiado expressed appreciation for the Filipino community’s active participation in the event and encouraged them to participate in similar cultural activities being undertaken by the Embassy as part of its continuing efforts to promote Filipino culture in Vienna.
On the other hand, Mr. Elmer Blanco, President of the Council of Filipino Associations in Austria, noted that the Barrio Fiesta in Austria is now on its 20th year and indicated that the yearly event would have not reached this milestone without the continued support of the Filipino organizations and communities as well as generous sponsors.
Dr. Walter Czapek, Chief of Police of the 23rd District of Vienna, graced the occasion on behalf of the host country. He said that he was “delighted that Filipino feeling was brought here in Vienna and thanked the Filipino community for this wonderful cultural celebration.” END
