ALIWAN NA!!!
Less than a month from now, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) grounds will, once again, host the Festival of Festivals as the three-day Aliwan Fiesta will bring together the biggest festivals throughout the Philippines to Pasay City.
What awaits the public in this grand event from June 27 to June 29?
BAZAARS
Throughout the three-day celebration, the people will have a chance to enjoy delicacies and specialties from different provinces.
Various merchants will bring in goods from their provinces for the enjoyment of those who will join in on the festivities. People will find several delicious foods including Vigan Bagnet, longanisa, and coffee
Aside from food and drinks, some stalls will also sell clothes, furniture, and trinkets with designs unique to their province or festival. People can buy memorabilia or you can take a look at the beautiful designs that adorn their celebrations.
PASAKALYE
No celebration in the Philippines can be complete without music. And the grandest festival in the Philippines needs to have the most spectacular music.
Every year, Aliwan Fiesta brings together hand-picked musical talents and entertainers to take on the stage in front of Aliw Theater and bring the house down (not literally). To the further delight of the public, Pasakalye does not have any entrance fee and they only need to have a good time.
For this year, newcomers and regular attendees will have something new waiting for them this Pasakalye 2024. They will need to wait until June 27 to know what surprise will serenade their ears in the kick-off of the Aliwan Fiesta.
STREETDANCE COMPETITION
When there is music, there is also dancing.
Aliwan Fiesta also serves as a venue for the best street dance contingents of various provinces to show their prowess. The contingents perform not only to entertain but also to earn the right to call themselves the best street dance group in the Philippines. The prestige also comes with a cash prize worth Php 1.5 million.
Just like last year, the contingents will show their beautiful performances in the streets around CCP before ending the night with a final dance in front of Aliw Theater. Some contingents will also bring with them colorful floats that represent their festivals, and tickle the eyes.
REYNA NG ALIWAN
Last but not least, all Philippine festivals must crown a beauty queen and the Aliwan Fiesta also follows suit.
Various beauty queens travel to Pasay City and grace the Festival of Festivals with their beauty, grace, and smarts. On the 2nd day of the festival, the beauty queens strut in their traditional costumes, swimsuits, and formalwear. They also showcase that, aside from physical beauty, they also have wisdom as they answer various questions from a panel of judges, which include the 'mayor' of Star City, veteran broadcaster and radio host Deo Macalma.
Halina at makisaya na! Aliwan na! (Come and have fun! It is time for Aliwan)
