Red Deerians sang, danced and tasted foods during the first-ever Red Deer Filipino Music and Food Street Festival over the weekend.
The three-day event began on Friday in the city's Capstone neighbourhood, with several musicians performing on the main stage, while vendors and food trucks were set up to keep people fed.
"We wanted to bring the sound and taste of the Philippines to Red Deer," explained organizer Christian (Chris Rod) Rodriguez.
"We're bringing the food and the music. There are so many Filipino bands all over Alberta. We have some of those bands, including ones from Lethbridge and Calgary, as well as one from Saskatchewan. It's a mix of different Filipino music that you're hearing."
While living in Saskatchewan, Rodriguez created a number of successful Filipino festivals. After moving to Red Deer with his family a year and a half ago, Rodriguez decided this summer was the time to create another one for Central Alberta.
"My wife and children love it here. We fell in love with Red Deer within the first three months," he said.
"I've been an event organizer for the past 25 years, even back when I was in the Philippines. For me, it's all about creating events to bring communities together. Next year we will have international events in Red Deer as well."
The plan is to turn the Red Deer Filipino Music and Food Street Festival into an annual event.
"We want to grow the festival each year. I started a Saskatchewan music festival in 2021 and it's now been running for four years. The following there has grown into the thousands now, which is exciting," he said.
"Here in Red Deer and Central Alberta, we're inviting all communities. We want people from all cultures to come and taste the food and listen to the music of the Philippines."
People with and without Filipino heritage had plenty to do at the festival, he added.
"For people who grew up in the Philippines and have been away for a long time, this festival gives them a taste of home once again," said Rodriguez.
"For those who aren't from the Philippines, they can come and see how vibrant our culture is. There's a festival for people to come to and experience what it's like."
