Ottawa’s Filipino street festival is postponed to honor Vancouver victims. Organizers focus on safety and community healing before announcing a new date.
Ottawa Filipino Festival Postponed After Vancouver Tragedy
In the wake of heartbreak, Ottawa’s Filipino community pauses to reflect, heal, and prioritize safety.
The highly anticipated Fun Philippines Ottawa Food and Music Street Festival, set to debut on May 17, has been postponed following a devastating attack at a similar event in Vancouver. The Vancouver tragedy claimed 11 lives and injured over 20 others when an SUV rammed into a Filipino street festival.
A Heartbreaking Decision
Philip Mendoza, chair of the Philippine Legacy and Cultural Alliance, said organizers wrestled with the decision to postpone Ottawa’s inaugural event.
“It made us pause a little bit to think about how we wanted to proceed,” Mendoza shared. While some vendors and partners hoped the event would continue, the team ultimately chose to delay, prioritizing public safety and honoring the victims.
Community Torn Between Celebration and Caution
Not everyone welcomed the postponement. Dan de Castro, a local Filipino radio host, admitted he was saddened by the news, having looked forward to the first-ever Filipino street festival in Ottawa.
“While this would bring us together to enjoy our culture, our music, our food, there is still apprehension,” de Castro acknowledged, reflecting concerns voiced across the Filipino-Canadian community.
Grief and Sensitivity After Vancouver
Aimee Beboso, chair of Migrante Ottawa, echoed the sentiment of disappointment mixed with understanding.
“It’s better to err on the side of caution… because if something happens, we can’t go back, right?” Beboso said. She emphasized the community’s need for time to process the Vancouver tragedy before coming together in celebration.
Safety Comes First
Looking ahead, organizers are working closely with the City of Ottawa and police to strengthen security measures. Options on the table include fencing the festival area, installing concrete barricades, and increasing police presence.
Ryan Perrault, Ottawa’s general manager of emergency and protective services, reassured the public that the City’s Special Event Advisory Team is ready to support organizers when they choose to move forward.
Hope for a Joyful Future
“Filipinos like to celebrate, like to party, and that’s the energy we want to bring,” Mendoza said. “We want to show how we celebrate our community, and that’s one way of honouring these folks as well.”
Final Thoughts
The postponement of the Fun Philippines Ottawa Food and Music Street Festival is a somber but necessary step, reflecting a community’s resilience in the face of tragedy. As Ottawa waits for new dates, organizers remain committed to creating a safe, meaningful celebration that truly honors Filipino culture and spirit.
