Embassy Joins Mexico’s 10th International Fair of Friendly Cultures

“The Tinikling”- Philippine Folk Dances being performed by Embassy staff and Filipino community members.

(Mexico PE photo)

MEXICO  24 May 2018 – The Philippine Embassy in Mexico took part in the 10th Feria Internacional de las Culturas Amigas (International Fair of Friendly Cultures) held in Mexico City from 14 to 29 April, an annual two-week cultural event hosted by Mexico City. This year’s event attracted over 3 million visitors and saw the participation of more than 90 countries with over 200 cultural featured activities.

Highlights of the Embassy’s participation included its two promotional booths, where it showcased Philippine culture, tourism, trade and cuisine. Visitors to the Philippine booth in Mexico City’s historic Zόcalo (city square) were deeply impressed by the intricate design of the barong tagalog and the beautiful craftsmanship of the Philippine lanterns on display. They were similarly fascinated by the various Philippine tourist destinations featured in the booth.

The Philippine food booth in Plaza Sto. Domingo, meanwhile, was popular among Mexican and foreign visitors who savored Filipino food such as lumpia, pancit, quail eggs, turon, puto, and biko.

On April 28, the Philippine Embassy’s cultural group presented a 45-minute cultural show which featured Filipino traditional dances such as the Karatong Subli, Paseo de Iloilo, Binasuan, and Tinikling. Embassy receptionist and choreographer Ms. Opalyn Dela Cruz then gave a rendition of “Isang Mundo, Isang Awit.”

The presentation was capped by a demonstration of Filipino martial arts by Mexican arnis experts. The same group then delivered an impromptu second demonstration at the presentation pavilion after the stage performance, which attracted another sizable crowd.

In view of its success since its inception in 2009, the FICA has become an annual tradition in Mexico City and an important space for cultural exchanges between the growing number of visitors and participating countries. END

Filipino martial arts “Arnis” demonstrated by Mexican Arnis experts. (Mexico PE photo)

For more information, visit www.mexicope.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinMexico/.