The Aliwan Fiesta in the Philippines highlights the colorful and longstanding traditions of the Filipino people. | Photo courtesy of George Buid
Welcome to Orato World Media’s Photo Gallery Section where we publish images from photographers and photojournalists from around the world. If you would like more information about Orato World Media’s Photo Gallery Section, please contact editor@orato.world.
Today’s photo gallery comes from George Buid of the Philippines. It featuresphotos from the 2023 Aliwan Fiesta, one of the biggest festivals in the Philippines. Local fiestas have come to represent the Filipino culture with their diverse sights and sounds that excite both foreign and local guests. Most of these events are characterized by giant street parades, pageants, live music, and food and drink.
The Philippines celebrates another year of the Aliwan Fiesta, the most anticipated and colorful festival in the country. It aims to promote and celebrate the diverse cultural heritage in the Philippines and features traditions from all over the country.
Locals as well as tourists gather to witness an array of sights and sounds, and to experience flavors from all over the nation.
Every year, giant floats display different cultures, traditions, and clothing in this long-awaited celebration. People work all year to assemble the decor, making sure everything remains perfect for the big day.
The Aliwan Fiesta is a true snapshot of Filipino culture
A parade full of colors marches down the street to the beat of drums and an excited crowd, while the smell of traditional dishes and flowers permeates the air.
Performers train all year for this big event, whether the weather allows it or not. Their performances aim to captivate their audience and showcase their pride.
This year, the festival started with some rain, which spectators took as a form of blessing. The event serves to share the Filipino story through fun activities and giant displays full of life and passion.
Seen as the highest manifestation of community life, fiestas inspire some of the greatest and most enduring creations in Filipino art, cuisine, and attire.
Here, festivals act as a window into the soul of Filipino people. It is through them that the country’s customs and cultural nuances take root.
Aliwan Fiesta acts as the ultimate feast for the senses. Since its inception in 2003, it grew to massive proportions, surpassing all expectations, and now plays a leading role in bridging regional differences while manifesting the country’s culture of peace.
The celebration also shows the people’s resilience and the hope that motivated Filipinos to survive hard challenges. It attracts thousands of tourists every year, yearning to partake in this display of creativity and joy.
All photos are courtesy of George Buid.
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George Buid is an independent photographer and journalist based in Metro Manila, Philippines. His work has been published in Stern Crime, Transcontinental Times, InterAksyon, and Deutsche Welle news. He also contributes to the news wire Zuma Press. In addition to writing journalism, George is a self-taught photographer who started his photojournalism career and visual documentary storytelling in 2014. He focuses on capturing stories of everyday individuals, communities, and culture. Occassionally, he also covers science, history, sports, politics, art, and human interest.
George Buid is an independent photographer and journalist based in Metro Manila, Philippines. His work has been published in Stern Crime, Transcontinental Times, InterAksyon, and Deutsche Welle news. He also contributes to the news wire Zuma Press. In addition to writing journalism, George is a self-taught photographer who started his photojournalism career and visual documentary storytelling in 2014. He focuses on capturing stories of everyday individuals, communities, and culture. Occassionally, he also covers science, history, sports, politics, art, and human interest.
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July 27, 2023
The Aliwan Fiesta in the Philippines highlights the colorful and longstanding traditions of the Filipino people. | Photo courtesy of George Buid
