The Carnevale di Venezia (Venice Carnival) took on a Filipino twist as thousands of revelers filled Piazza San Marco on Saturday, March 1 to watch Filipino folk dances take center stage and bring the vibrant fiesta spirit of the Philippines to Venice, Italy.
Three dance troupes, comprising 36 Filipino dancers, charmed the crowd with a 30-minute cultural performance. The London-based Lahing Kayumanggi Dance Company performed a mosaic of Filipino folk dances including Binasuan, Kappa Malong Malong, and Subli, while the Filipino communities of Vicenza and Venezia showcased the Sinulog and Bulaklakan dances, respectively.
Consul General Elmer Cato said the dance mosaic symbolizes the intricate and vibrant tapestry of Filipino dance traditions where each style represents a unique cultural narrative and historical influence. He added that the performance also reflects the Philippines rich heritage shaped by indigenous roots, colonial histories, and regional variations.
“Each movement and rhythm serves as a distinct piece of this mosaic showcasing the artistry, creativity, and communal spirit of the Filipino people. It encapsulates the spirit of collaboration and the vibrant energy that characterizes Filipino dance, making it a fitting representation of the cultural richness showcased at the Venice festival,” Cato told Rappler on Sunday.
The Philippines’ participation in the Carnevale was organized by the Philippine Consulate General in Milan and the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Venice, with the support of the Department of Tourism which flew the Lahing Kayumanggi dancers from London.
Cato said the participation of the Philippines in the Carnevale was an important part of the Consulate’s efforts to raise the profile of the Philippines in Italy.
“When we first experienced the Carnevale in 2023, we knew right away that it was a great opportunity for us to be able to project the Philippines and what we have to offer,” Cato said.
“Cultural diplomacy is considered the fourth pillar of Philippine foreign policy. Events such as our participation in the Carnevale allow us to share with our host public more about who we are as a people and where we came from,” he added.
Cato said Italians have expressed gratitude for the chance to learn more about Filipino culture. Tourism brochures about the Philippines were also distributed to the crowd at the Piazza San Marco.
“We hope that with our participation in the Carnevale, we would get more Italians and other foreigners to take a second look at the Philippines and see what it has to offer,” Cato said. “There is a need to really reach out to them and get to know us better.”
Italy is host to almost 200,000 Filipinos, the largest in the European Union. It is the fastest recovering tourism market for the Philippines in Europe, according to Cato.
The Carnevale traces its origins to 1162, when Venetians gathered at St. Mark’s Square to celebrate a military victory. It has since become one of the world’s most popular carnivals, attracting as many as 3 million tourists to Venice annually. –Rappler.com