Calgary has marked Filipino Heritage Month with Ube Fest, an event celebrating the culture of the Philippines through food, art, music and community. The festival brought residents together around one of the country's most recognizable ingredients. For many attendees, it was a moment of pride to see Filipino culture showcased publicly in the city. The gathering turned a traditional flavour into the centrepiece of a community celebration.
At the heart of the festival is ube, a purple yam native to the Philippines. The ingredient is known globally for its sweet taste and its distinctive purple colour. It has long been a part of Filipino cooking and celebrations. Its prominence gave the event both its name and its visual identity.
For attendees, the festival was a source of pride and connection. One visitor said they love everything ube and felt proud to see such an event held in public. The celebration offered a shared space for the community to come together. It allowed people to enjoy familiar flavours while introducing them to a wider audience.
The timing added to the significance of the day. The festival followed Filipino Independence Day, which had been celebrated the day before. Organizers framed Ube Fest as a way to continue that celebration in the city. The back-to-back events gave the community an extended occasion to mark its heritage.
The festival also created a platform for local entrepreneurs. Attendees described it as a chance to see what young Filipino entrepreneurs were showcasing. Organizers presented it as strong representation for the community in Calgary. The event combined cultural celebration with a spotlight on local businesses.
For organizer Maria Berenna, the goal went beyond food. She said she hoped the festival would educate others about the cultural significance of ube. She noted that many people do not know where the ingredient comes from, despite its long place in Filipino celebrations. With appreciation, she said, the community is also seeking recognition.