Under the auspices of FIDAF (Federation of International Dance Festivals) The Fiesta Folkloriada of the Philippines, a project of the Bayanihan Folk Arts Foundation in partnership with the Ambassador Alfonso T. Yuchengco Foundation is a festival that gathers a select group of five dance companies from the different parts of the globe to conduct cultural exchanges in various parts of the Philippines, teach and learn from each other and perform in a grand finale with the Bayanihan, the national folk dance company of the Philippines, at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).
Now on its 10th year, the Fiesta was formerly called Lawiswis and was presented mainly in the city of Manila. It invited 10 top dance companies from around the world.
For better management and programming, the current number of participants have been set at a maximum of five countries at 20 participants each. The Fiesta is held in December when participants can enjoy a festive atmosphere. This is the time when everyone prepares for Christmas, a very important religious celebration in the Philippines.
Opening ceremonies vary in setting as it can be held in selected destinations around the Philippines.
The grand finale is held at the CCP. Performances are also presented in selected schools, universities, hotels, homes of important individuals in Philippine society and business communities, and in towns and cities near Metro Manila.
The members of the Bayanihan serve as guides to the visiting dance companies. They ensure that everyone gets a taste of the richness of Philippine cultural heritage and an unforgettable six fun days of personal and professional enrichment and exposure.
Suzie Moya Benitez is the Local Chairman for Asia, Federation of International Dance Festivals. She is the Project Director of Fiesta Folkloriada and is Trustee and Executive Director of Bayanihan Folk Arts Foundation. She also serves as Associate Vice President, Campus Life, Philippine Women’s University and Director for CCAMS (Center for Culture, Arts, Music and Sports).