The Philippine Embassy in Lebanon, in partnership with the Lebanese Diaspora Village, organized a Christmas Village event on 9 December 2023. The Christmas Village is an annual event where the Embassies are invited to participate to share their Christmas traditions and visitors in Batroun, both foreign and local, gather to interact with the activities hosted by the Embassy.
Visitors witness the Christmas performances and workshops of the Filipino community in Lebanon.
H.E. Raymond R. Balatbat opened the program by highlighting the Philippines’ Christmas tradition being possibly the longest in the world. He also acknowledged the common diaspora narrative and the yuletide celebration of both the Philippines and Lebanon. His Excellency also underscored the importance of celebrating the Christmas spirit to promote peace and hope amid the challenging times.
The program showcased Filipino talents from all ages and backgrounds. Filipino migrants danced to folk dances while sporting Christmas garbs. Children of Filipino migrants sang and danced to popular Christmas songs followed by a caroling performance of an all-Filipino choir. After the program, visitors graced different booths set up by the Embassy and the Filipino community.
Filipino community entertains the crowd in their Christmas caroling and dance performances
The booths included a parol-making workshop and a cooking demonstration of favorite Filipino Christmas desserts served in classic noche buena. A cultural exhibit booth was also set up to promote Filipino cultural handicrafts. Filipino-made items like bottled sauces, traditional rice cakes, crocheted bags, etc. made by migrant workers were sold to promote entrepreneurial activities among OFWs. The event also featured a tourism booth where guests may inquire about travel and tour packages to the Philippines and visa information.
A cultural exhibit, parol making, handicrafts and Filipino delicacies were part of booths and activities prepared by the Embassy.
The Embassy’s hosting of this year’s Christmas Village not only brings Philippine yuletide traditions closer to Filipinos in Lebanon, but also to Lebanese locals and foreign visitors. It highlights the shared traditions of Christian communities from both countries.
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