The 2026 Lapu Lapu Day Festival has been announced by Filipino BC, and it is scheduled for roughly one week before the first anniversary of the 2025 Vancouver tragedy.
Filipino BC sent out a press release with some preliminary details about the event on Wednesday morning, with the only detail missing so far being where the event is going to be held. Filipino BC told Daily Hive that location details will be announced in the coming weeks.
The festival is planned for the weekend of April 17 to 19. The Lapu Lapu Day tragedy that resulted in the death of 11 people and injured dozens more took place on April 26, 2025.
Filipino BC has named some festival partners and shared some more information about its “commitment to healing.”
Some of the partners who have been announced so far include Latincouver, Blueprint and EventLAB. MYX Global will be the festival’s media partner.
Remembrance of last year’s tragedy will be a core component of this year’s festival.
“Filipino BC recognizes the community’s shared grief following recent events, and has centred remembrance and healing as a key part of festival planning. Filipino BC will again be working closely with the City of Vancouver, the Province of British Columbia, and first responders to ensure that appropriate safety measures are in place,” Filipino BC’s release said.
“The Lapu Lapu Day Festival isn’t just about cultural celebration; it’s about creating a space for unity, care, and reflection–while honouring those we’ve lost,” RJ Aquino, Filipino BC Chair, said in an email.
“As we look ahead, we centre community healing and remembrance alongside cultural pride. This festival is a way to come together safely, to hold space for grief, and to reaffirm our commitment to one another through culture, connection, and collective care,” Aquino added.
Filipino BC says it will also be hosting at least one memorial gathering, and more details will be shared in the coming months.