Ube Fiesta 2025: Stuttgart Turns Purple in a Fiery Celebration of Filipino Culture
By Isla Magazine, Jeminah Birkner / Photos courtesy of Rhyan Tupas of RHYTOGRAPHY
What is UBE?
Ube (purple yam or dioscorea alata), is a tuberous root crop commonly grown in the Philippines. This root vegetable with a royal purple hue is not a sweet potato. but they are closely related, and both are similarly starchy and sweet. Of the four main varieties of ube, the ‘kinampay’ is considered the “Queen of Purple Yams.”
Stuttgart, Germany, June 29, 2025
Even under the blazing sun and amidst a record-breaking heatwave, Ube Fiesta 2025 in Stuttgart drew in thousands, proving once again that the heart of the Filipino community beats strong and purple no matter the weather.
Organized by Philnity e.V. in close collaboration with the Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt, Filipino community organizations from Baden-Württemberg and nearby states, and supported by tireless volunteers, the event turned Rathaus Marktplatz into a vibrant celebration of Filipino identity and unity in Germany.
More Than a Food Festival: A Cultural Showcase
While ube and Filipino cuisine took center stage with vendors from across Germany serving everything from ube halaya and ube ice cream to sisig, pastil, and spareribs and many more, it was the lineup of performers and artists that brought the soul to this year’s fiesta.
Opening the stage with energy and charisma was Jessica Shayne, whose soulful renditions of well-loved OPM songs sparked a singalong across the crowd, turning the square into one giant karaoke party. Traditional and modern dance performances followed, thanks to the participation of Filipino cultural groups from Philippine Cultural Organization in Saarland headed by Josephine Hahn and Philippinisch-deutscher Verein Nordschwarzwald 1994 e. V., Birkenfeld care of Chuchi Riegel. Dancers in vibrant Filipiniana gracefully performed folk dances such as Tinikling and Pandanggo sa Ilaw, drawing cheers and applause from both Filipinos and curious German onlookers.
Local bands and soloists also took the stage, offering a mix of acoustic music, pop covers, and original Filipino compositions. Young performers, including children of OFWs and Filipino-German families, proudly showed off their talents, from singing and rapping to spoken word pieces about identity and migration.
The visual arts were represented through a mini art exhibit featuring Filipino painters and illustrators based in Germany, giving attendees the chance to view and purchase original works that celebrate Filipino heritage in contemporary styles.
Other performers included: Cherelyn (Relyn Bacani), Jshayne (Jessica Shayne Ostermeier), Emil Zamora a Saxophonist, Code Egal Band, Althea Maris Ajoc the Youngest Performer, Bunny Liwanag, Catherine R. Nunez a Visual Artist and Claire Paladin a Song Writer and Poet.
TFC Star Power:
The biggest highlight of the day came when the Prince of Pop, Erik Santos, stepped onto the stage. His live performance electrified the atmosphere, with his signature ballads echoing across the square. For many in the crowd, especially those who’ve been away from home for years, his voice brought waves of nostalgia and even tears as he sang classics like This Is The Moment and I’ll Never Go.
His presence also underscored a growing interest from Philippine creative industries in engaging with diaspora audiences in Europe, with Germany now seen as a vibrant hub for cultural exchange.
Organizers
While the spotlight shone on performers, the real magic happened behind the scenes. Dozens of community volunteers, many of whom are nurses, caregivers, students, and parents, worked around the clock to prepare logistics, manage crowd flow, clean up, assist vendors, and ensure safety under the extreme heat.
Leading the charge was Philnity e.V., whose grassroots coordination brought together organizations from across different German cities. Their collaboration with the Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt, led by Consul General Ivy Banzon Abalos, helped secure a central public venue, giving the Filipino community rare visibility in one of Stuttgart’s most iconic urban spaces.
Support also came from Filipino-led businesses, donors, and local German institutions, which provided partial funding, permits, and promotional support.
The Isla MAG Creative Group, composed of Filipino creatives in Germany, documented the day in full with Jem Birkner handling cinematography and editing, and Avhie Glinofria contributing content and event highlights. Their storytelling helped capture the full sensory and emotional experience of the festival for those who couldn’t attend.
Always room for improvement
While the event delivered in flavor and festivity, it wasn’t without its challenges. The sound system, designed for smaller indoor events, struggled to handle the scale and openness of Rathaus Marktplatz. Announcements and performances were difficult to hear in some parts of the venue.
Another frequently raised concern was the lack of seating and shaded dining areas. Many attendees were left to eat standing up or seated on curbs and planters under the glaring sun. For families with kids, seniors, and the elderly, this made the experience physically taxing.
Organizers have acknowledged these issues and are already looking into better equipment, tented rest areas, and improved logistics for future events, recognizing the importance of comfort alongside celebration.
Cultural Diplomacy in Action
Beyond the fiesta atmosphere, Ube Fiesta 2025 carried meaningful diplomatic weight. It was an opportunity to strengthen Filipino visibility in German public life, create platforms for diaspora artists, and promote sustainable tourism through the Department of Tourism’s newly launched Sustainable Ube Farm Tour, encouraging Filipino-Germans to explore the agricultural roots of ube in places like Bohol, Cebu, and Manila.
Adding an intellectual layer to the sensory feast was the Philippine literature corner, curated by the National Book Development Board, featuring bilingual and German translations of Philippine works. The exhibit served as a warm-up to the Philippines’ upcoming role as Guest of Honour at the 2025 Frankfurt Book Fair.
A Sweet, Sweaty Success! Till the next one!
Despite the heat, technical hiccups, and seating woes, Ube Fiesta 2025 delivered a powerful message. Filipino culture is alive, evolving, and making its mark in Germany. It was a day of food, art, performance, and most importantly, community.
The purple stains on shirts, the echoes of music through the square, and the heartfelt performances are proof that this fiesta wasn’t just an event. It was a declaration of belonging.
And if this year was any indication, Ube Fiesta 2026 is going to be blast!
