WIESBADEN – A Dazzling Celebration of Ube: Year 3 of Ube Fiesta in Germany
Wiesbaden transformed into a vibrant showcase of Filipino culture as 15,000 people gathered to celebrate the third year of the Ube Fiesta, a Filipino festival dedicated to the beloved Philippine crop, ube. Organized by the Philippine Consulate in Frankfurt, in collaboration with Philnity e.V., the Filipino Catholic Community in Bistum Limburg, and the Frankfurt tourism office, Ube Fest Season 3 was a resounding success.
The humble ube, a purple yam known for its unique flavor and versatility, took center stage, delighting attendees with a variety of traditional Filipino desserts. Festival-goers indulged in mouthwatering treats such as ube halaya, halo-halo, ube cake, ube with coconut, cupp keyk, and ginataang bilo-bilo with ube. But this event was more than just a feast; it was a full-blown celebration of Filipino culture. The festival grounds buzzed with excitement, featuring vibrant dance performances, lively singing, and a colorful parade that showcased the joy and spirit of Filipino festivities.
The event was graced by special guests Joy Esquivias, a finalist from “The Voice of Germany” 2023, and Juan Geck, a semi-finalist from “The Voice of Germany” 2020, adding star power to the celebration.
“We had double the turnout compared to the past two Ube festivals. We expected around three thousand attendees, but it seems we surpassed that,” said Paula Gutierrez-Salangsang, President of Philnity e.V., highlighting the growing popularity of the festival.
In addition to the culinary delights and performances, the event featured a colorful market of local Filipino products, offering everything from handmade crafts to traditional garments. Filipino authors also took the stage, representing the Philippines at the upcoming Frankfurt Book Fair, the largest book fair in Europe, where the Philippines will be the host country in 2025. The success of Ube Fest Season 3 not only highlighted the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines but also strengthened the bonds of the Filipino community in Germany and beyond. It was a day filled with joy, pride, and a shared love for the vibrant traditions that make Filipino culture so unique.
