The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will hold its very first regional arts and creative festival to strengthen the creative industries and elevate Filipino creativity in the CALABARZON region.
Dubbed as “Fiesta Haraya 2024: Likha at Husay ng CALABARZON,” the festival will run from November 27 until 1 December 2024 at Robinsons General Trias, General Trias City, Cavite.
It will showcase an array of creative goods through a trade fair, performances from artists and artisans, demonstrations and workshops from creative experts, and information campaigns from partner government agencies and the private sector in the region.
“The activity aims to build a robust creative ecosystem and develop vibrant and sustainable creative industries in the region.”
DTI Region 4A Director Marissa Argente said the activity aims to build a robust creative ecosystem and develop vibrant and sustainable creative industries in the region.
“We invite everyone — especially our micro, small, and medium enterprises, people from the creative industry sector, students, and consumers — to visit our festival and celebrate with us,” Argente said.
“Fiesta Haraya” is a portmanteau of two words representing Filipino traditions. “Fiesta” is a Spanish word for party or festivity, while “haraya” is an old Filipino word, which means imagination or vision.
For the event’s official tagline, “Likha” means “create” while “Husay” means “skilled”.
This tagline gives a nod to the craftmanship and artistry of the creative people in the CALABARZON region.
Through this activity, the DTI Region 4-A aims to help promote local arts and culture, encourage collaboration and networking, support existing and emerging entrepreneurs from different creative clusters, and foster creative entrepreneurship, competitiveness, and innovation.
Each province in the region will highlight its unique arts, culture, and creativity through daily performances.
Each province in the region will highlight its unique arts, culture, and creativity through daily performances.
The festival’s most anticipated activities will include:
· Laguna: Fashion show featuring handcrafted clothes, accessories, and footwear from Laguna designers, along with demonstrations of fruit carving, woodworking, and embroidery.
· Cavite: Marching band performances, spoken word poetry, and a vibrant painting exhibition.
· Batangas: Calado embroidery demonstrations, captivating folk dance performances, and theater arts presentations.
· Rizal: A grand Higantes parade and an engaging bonsai workshop.
· Quezon: Demonstrations of kiping-making and cultural dance performances, highlighting the Tagayan Ritual.
The DTI and partner agencies will also set up information kiosks offering public services, such as business name registration, consumer welfare assistance, and business loan consultations.
