Burnaby, B.C.'s Pinoy Festival aims to 'turn grief into grace' following Vancouver festival tragedy

"We rise."

That's the theme of this year's Pinoy Festival, a celebration of Filipino culture happening on the heels of what some have described as one of the darkest days in Vancouver's history. 

The celebration comes seven weeks after a car rammed into a group of people at the Lapu-Lapu Day festival in East Vancouver, a day meant to mark "the enduring impact on Filipino values, notably the spirit of bayanihan — the collective community effort," organizers said. 

Eleven people were killed, many more were injured and the Filipino community in B.C. and abroad was left in mourning. 

"Our community feels the weight of sorrow, but we also feel the warmth of compassion, the power of unity and the call to come together with purpose," the Pinoy Festival website reads. 

"Let's turn grief into grace, and pain into purpose."

The annual festival is happening on Saturday at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby, B.C., and is meant to highlight the vibrant Filipino culture in British Columbia. 

The festival will kick off with a Zumba class, featuring Pinoy music. 

Following the morning workout, a parade of Filipino and other immigrant groups will make its way through the venue, highlighting the diversity of the region. 

While the Pinoy Festival has been an important fixture in the community since it began in 2023, Burnaby city councillor Maita Santiago said the celebration is now more important than ever, as the collective grief from Lapu-Lapu Day persists. 

"We need festivals like this to show that the world didn't end, although it might feel like it," she said. "I think it's even more important to show that as a Filipino community, as a community of British Columbians, that we're committed to rise, that we're committed to find, where we're able, joy."

Festival safety

Festival security came into question in the wake of the Vancouver tragedy, but Santiago said the Pinoy Festival has been preparing for the past year, ensuring a safe day for all. 

She noted the venue for the Pinoy Festival is different from other festivals — on stadium grounds rather than on the street. 

Security guards will be stationed at all entrance gates, traffic control will be in place to manage congestion and four first aid booths will be located throughout the grounds. Burnaby RCMP officers will also be on site. 

For those unsure about attending as they process what happened in April, Santiago said there will be many community booths at the vendor market that can offer support, and said there will be a quiet space for anyone who needs it. 

And for those looking to connect with community to help them grieve, Santiago said there's no better place to be. 

"With all the things that are at the festival, I'm sure there'll be something for most folks there, in terms of a community," she said. 

She said she can't wait to gather with loved ones at Swangard Stadium this weekend. 

"It's always been a great event, and I know lots and lots of folks have been working hard to make it happen."

The thing Santiago is most looking forward to: halo-halo, a shaved ice dessert with milk, fruits and other sweet ingredients. 

"A festival wouldn't be complete without having a halo-halo," she said.