Singapore Art Museum presents Barrio Fiesta

Barrio Fiesta is a 2-day event emulating the colourful and boisterous street festivals in the rustic towns of provincial Philippines. This weekend event will offer visitors a multi-faceted experiential journey into the Philippines’ rich and fascinating arts, entertainment and food culture. Locally, these fiestas are held to commemorate religious occasions, a place where the richest of local Filipino-Hispanic traditions thrive.

Events Highlights

Santacruzan Procession

A tradition passed on to the Filipinos by the Spanish Conquistadores, the Santacruzan has evolved over time to become a much-awaited beauty pageant in the month of May in the Philippines. The parade features sagalas, or beauty queens, wearing exquisitely designed gowns accompanied by escorts. The Santacruzan procession, sometimes referred to as Flores De Mayo (as it happens in the month of May when flowers bloom), is traditionally a religious procession on foot which commemorates the finding of the holy cross by Queen Helena and her son Constantine. See a Santacruzan parade in all its splendour at SAM!

Date Sat, 30 Jan 10

Time 5pm — 6:30pm

Venue SAM grounds

Fees Free admission.

Ati-Atihan Procession

In a unique contrast to the elegantly rendered Santacruzan, a loud and energetic item will spearhead the Santacruzan procession which is known to the world as the Philippines’ wildest fiesta procession, the Ati-Atihan. The Ati-atihan is a parade celebration in honour of the Santo Niño (Baby Jesus) where participants paint their faces with black soot and wear bright outlandish costumes as they dance in revelry.

Date Sat, 30 Jan 10

Time 5pm — 6:30pm

Venue SAM grounds

Fees Free admission.

A Concert by Noel Cabangon

Performing live at the Singapore Art Museum, Noel Cabangon is one of the most talented and respected singer-songwriters in the Philippines who puts all his creative energies into writing socially responsible masterpieces. Noel wrote the song Kanlungan which perhaps may be considered as the best ballad ever made by a Filipino artist. He has lent his outstanding singing and song-writing skills to countless groups that advocate peace, environment, family, love and education among others, which all aim to restore the values that made each and every Filipino who they are today. Noel’s efforts have earned him the reputation of “composer of modern day national anthems.”

Date Sat, 30 Jan 10

Time 9pm — 12mn

Venue SAM Glass Hall

Fees Free admission.

For more information, go to www.singaporeartmuseum.sg