LA parol festival spotlights Filipino culture during the holidays

California

The 2nd annual Eagle Rock Parol Festival on Saturday, Dec. 9 honored a beloved, colorful Filipino tradition during the holidays.

The free festival, held at the Eagle Rock Plaza in Los Angeles, was organized by the Association for the Advancement of Filipino American Arts and Culture (FilAm ARTS) and SoCal Filipinos; two community nonprofits aiming to preserve tradition and connect Filipino Americans across the region.

  • The Dalisay Filipino American Dance Company performs at the 2nd...

    The Dalisay Filipino American Dance Company performs at the 2nd annual Eagle Rock Parol Festival on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, in Los Angeles. (Courtesy of David Rodriguez)

  • Filipino food vendors at the 2nd annual Eagle Rock Parol...

    Filipino food vendors at the 2nd annual Eagle Rock Parol Festival on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, in Los Angeles. (Courtesy of Marcie Taylor)

  • Garth Garcia with Starlink Promotions artists perform at the 2nd...

    Garth Garcia with Starlink Promotions artists perform at the 2nd annual Eagle Rock Parol Festival on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, in Los Angeles. (Courtesy of Nailah Barcelona)

  • Philippine parols for sale at the 2nd annual Eagle Rock...

    Philippine parols for sale at the 2nd annual Eagle Rock Parol Festival on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, in Los Angeles. Part of the proceeds go towards FilAm ARTS. (Courtesy of Nailah Barcelona)

  • Filipino acapella group Filosophy performs at the 2nd annual Eagle...

    Filipino acapella group Filosophy performs at the 2nd annual Eagle Rock Parol Festival on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, in Los Angeles. (Courtesy of David Rodriguez)

  • Filipino American singers Alyssa and AJ Rafael perform at the...

    Filipino American singers Alyssa and AJ Rafael perform at the 2nd annual Eagle Rock Parol Festival on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, in Los Angeles. (Courtesy of Nailah Barcelona)

  • Lines and excitement over Filipino street food at the 2nd...

    Lines and excitement over Filipino street food at the 2nd annual Eagle Rock Parol Festival on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, in Los Angeles. (Courtesy of David Rodriguez)

  • Vendors at the 2nd annual Eagle Rock Parol Festival on...

    Vendors at the 2nd annual Eagle Rock Parol Festival on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, in Los Angeles. (Courtesy of Marcie Taylor)

Parols are illuminated star-shaped lanterns, typically made of bamboo and colorful paper, sometimes capiz shells. They are a central part of Christmas in the Philippines, with the lanterns often hung in homes and public spaces, according to event organizers.

The event featured Philippine parols for sale, with part of the proceeds going toward FilAm ARTS, and a community toy drive.

Activities included live music and dancing, local vendors, and cultural performances from the Dalisay Filipino American Dance CompanyFil-Trio and more. Food vendors included Dough MommaEmpanadas Di Ba and LAV’s Asian Cuisine.

Products You May Like

Articles You May Like

SJ The Artist Drops Visuals for “A.I.M,” Celebrating Boom-Bap Hip Hop and Mental Health Awareness
Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares resigns amid problems in U.S.
Movie Review: ‘The Order’ | Moviefone
Below-the-Belt Bliss: Happy Nuts, Your Secret Weapon for Everyday Comfort
Stray Kids, Tom Morello, and More