Thousands gathered in Vancouver this weekend to mark a Lapu Lapu Day. Lapu Day celebrated the Filipino national heroes who fought against Spanish colonization.
Datu Lapu-Lapu, the chief of Mactan, now part of the central Visayas region of the Philippines, defeated the Spanish army led by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. Though the main explanations of the day are limited, Lapu Lapu’s victory became a symbol of courage and courage and resistance to colonial rule.
British Columbia was officially recognized as La Pu Lapu Day 2023 on April 27, with local officials pointing to “learn more about the history of British Columbians in their Philippine heritage and celebrating their contributions to the state’s vibrancy and prosperity.”
The province has an important Filipino community, with 172,915 Filipinos living in British Columbia in 2021 making up about 3.46% of the population.
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was appointed on Lapu Lapu Day on April 27th, making it a special labor holiday for Lapu Lapu City on Mactan Island, in the heart of the county.
Named after the National Hero, Lapu-Lapu City has seen the festival grow for almost a month this year, with special markets, parades and re-enactments of the Battle of Mactan.
Organizers of the Vancouver celebration said the declaration honors Lapu-Lapu’s heritage and represents “cultural harmony and mutual respect that thrives in British Columbia.”
Prior to the rally, organizers described Lapurapu as representing “the soul of native resistance, a powerful force that helps shape Filipino identity in the face of colonization,” adding, “it teaches us that the strength of united people, bound by a common commitment to their legacy, can withstand the challenge.”
The Vancouver festival was designed to celebrate the pride and heritage of the Philippines. It features music, parades, film screenings, cultural dance, markets with locally handmade products and food, basketball – basketball – the Philippines’ most beloved sports.
In a statement shared after the attack, organizers wrote that it was “devastated” for their families and victims. “We still find words to describe the deep heartbreak brought about by this meaningless tragedy,” they said.
