Auckland is set to witness a celebration of Filipino culture and all things ube as Ube Fiesta takes over ParkCity on June 28.
Ube, the beloved purple yam, will take centre stage, but it will also be a market celebration of Filipino cuisine, heritage, and how ube has become a unifying factor of people across communities.
Ube Fiesta, a first collaboration project between Filipino Market NZ and Chow Luck Club Foodie Market is anticipated to be the largest ube-themed market festival and is anticipated to draw thousands of attendees.
Approximately 60 vendors, featuring dishes that highlight the ube or draw inspiration from the Filipino yam, will participate, and the festival promises a day filled with live entertainment as well.
Co-organiser Jade-Ceres Violet Dolor Munoz said ube is a culinary treasure and a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines.
“You will find ube present at all our significant occasions and celebrations, and it is also cherished as a symbol of our Filipino tradition,” Jade said.
“It can be said that ube is a unifying factor for us Filipinos, and a connecting factor for people from all backgrounds to the Filipino culture.”
Bee Koh, also a co-organiser, said the festival will celebrate the unique flavours of ube and how its recognition and appreciation have spread across cultures.
Besides their usual offerings, vendors from the Malaysian, Thai, Vietnamese, Cambodian and Middle Eastern communities will also be selling ube-inspired specials on the day.
“It will be a day where people can experience and celebrate how special ube is, and also the warmth and diversity of Filipino and our ethnic communities here,” Bee said.
“It will be a fun day centred on delicious food, culture and connections.”
Ube Fiesta will run from 10am to 3pm at ParkCity (the “home base” of Chow Luck Club Foodie Market), 261 Morrin Road, St John’s Auckland. Free entry and plenty of free parking.
