Pistahan Parade and Festival to Raise Awareness and Support for Typhoon Haiyan Disaster Areas
/In light of the devastating Typhoon Haiyan that hit the Visayas Region of the Philippines in November 2013, this year’s theme is “Viva Visayas.” Through this Festival, we hope to continue to raise awareness about this province which was severely devastated by the typhoon,” said Pistahan organizer Al Perez. “We want to celebrate and revive the unique Visayan culture, music, dance, cuisine, language and traditions. We want to honor the resilience of the Visayan people, and hope to be a catalyst in the rebirth, renewal and rebuilding of the Visayas Region.”
The Pistahan Parade will kick-off the weekend festivities and will take place Saturday, August 9 at 11:00 am. As the only major Philippine parade in the West Coast, the Pistahan Parade is a display of Filipino community pride. Beautifully themed floats and an estimated 100 colorful and entertaining contingents representing many different ethnic communities around the Bay Area make this a unique San Francisco event. This year the Pistahan Parade begins at the San Francisco Civic Center on Turk Street and will go down Market Street, make a right on 4th street, and disembark at Mission Street.
Both festival days will feature an array of world-class entertainment, hands-on exhibits, and immersive cultural opportunities.
This year’s headline artists from the Philippines are Mr. Pure Energy Gary V., with Karylle and Gabby Valenciano. Cultural performing artists include the Likha Pilipino Folk Ensemble, Parangal Dance Company, Hiyas Philippine Folk Dance Company and Steps, Styles & Spotlights. Additional talents from Manila, Broadway, Hollywood and around the Bay Area will grace the two entertainment stages.
WHAT:
21st Annual Pistahan Parade and Festival
An international Celebration of Filipino Culture and Cuisine
WHEN AND WHERE:
PISTAHAN PARADE
Saturday, August 9
10:30 am – Opening Ceremonies
11:00 am – The Pistahan Parade begins at the San Francisco Civic Center on Turk Street, marches down Market Street, makes a right on 4th Street, then disembarks at Mission Street.
PISTAHAN FESTIVAL
Saturday, August 9 and Sunday, August 10
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Yerba Buena Gardens, Mission St @ 4th St, San Francisco
FOR MORE INFO
www.pistahan.net
Facebook.com/Pistahan
Email: PistahanSF@gmail.com
Call: 415-625-EXPO (3976)
About the Pistahan Parade and Festival
The Pistahan Parade and Festival was founded in 1994 and has been consistently held at the Yerba Buena Gardens. The Filipino American Arts Exposition, an all-volunteer, grassroots, nonprofit organization that contributes to the artistic and cultural pride of the Filipino community, organizes the annual event. www.pistahan.net