For more information, visit www.plhs.net
For Press Release by PLHS Media
St. Bernard, Louisiana, USA — On October 11, 2025, the Philippine Louisiana Historical Society (PLHS)—in proud partnership with the Philippine Consulate–New Orleans Office, the New Orleans Filipino American Lions Club (NOFALC), St. Bernard Parish Government, and the Los Isleños Heritage and Cultural Society—will once again ignite the heart of St. Bernard with the electrifying rhythm, color, and soul of the Philippines at Fiesta Filipina.
Set against the historic backdrop of the Los Isleños Museum Complex (1357 Bayou Road, St. Bernard), this cultural extravaganza promises to be a breathtaking journey from bayan to bayou—a radiant showcase of Filipino heritage, artistry, and community spirit. From traditional dances and music to mouthwatering cuisine and vibrant parades, Fiesta Filipina is more than an event—it's a living, breathing celebration of Filipino culture that bridges generations and geographies.
After a successful debut last year that drew over 900 attendees, organizers are thrilled to welcome an even larger crowd in 2025.
This annual celebration marks Filipino American History Month, honoring the enduring legacy and contributions of Filipino Americans in Louisiana.
"For Filipino American families across the U.S., October is a meaningful time to honor the historical legacy and vibrant cultural traditions of the Filipino community,” says Philippine Honorary Consul Robert Romero, founder of the Philippine Louisiana Historical Society (PLHS).
“Many Filipinos make it a point to visit the St. Malo Historical Marker at the Ducros Museum within the Los Isleños Museum Complex, recognizing its significance in our shared cultural heritage,” proudly shared by St. Bernard Parish President Louis Pomes during last year's celebration. “We’re honored to support the first Philippine cultural heritage festival in Louisiana, right here in St. Bernard Parish—a celebration that highlights the richness and diversity of our community."
What to Expect
Guests at Fiesta Filipina 2025 can look forward to a vibrant celebration of Filipino culture through live performances of traditional and contemporary music and dance, hands-on art and craft displays, and a mouthwatering array of Filipino cuisine—from savory street food to beloved family recipes. The event is designed to foster cultural exchange and community connection, inviting attendees of all backgrounds to experience the warmth, creativity, and spirit of the Filipino people.
St. Bernard Parish Historian and Los Isleños Museum Complex Site Manager Bill Hyland emphasizes the vital role Filipinos played in shaping Louisiana’s commercial fishing industry, particularly in St. Bernard Parish. He notes that for over two centuries, the Isleños—descendants of Canary Islanders—have interacted with and intermarried with Filipino settlers, creating a rich tapestry of shared heritage. “The historical and cultural impact of the Filipino presence is deeply woven into the fabric of St. Bernard,” Hyland affirms.
“While the Filipino presence in St. Bernard Parish dates back to at least the early 19th century, successive waves of Filipino immigrants have continued to make this community their home,” says Bill Hyland. “Their strong cultural identity remains a defining thread in the diverse tapestry of St. Bernard Parish.”
“We welcome not only Filipino Americans, but also friends from all backgrounds to join us in celebrating the richness of our heritage and the spirit of unity it inspires,” honorary consul Romero invites.
First Permanent Filipino Settlements in the US
This festival also aims awareness about the first permanent Filipino settlements in the USA–that being in Louisiana particularly the Manila Village and Clark Cheniere (both in the Town of Jean Lafitte in Jefferson Parish) and St. Malo in St. Bernard Parish. Brochures about this are being displayed at shelves inside all Welcome Centers in Louisiana.
During the late 1800s, a group of Filipino fishermen led by Quintin de la Cruz built a few shelters on stilts on top of some oyster reefs at the mouth of Barataria Bay in South Louisiana. They called it Manila Village to remind them of their homeland and the hundreds of small fishing villages that dotted the coastline of their Philippine Islands.It was the first permanent settlement of Filipinos and perhaps the first Asian-American settlement in the United States. The platform community flourished for several decades until Hurricane Betsy completely destroyed it in 1965. The members of the community were commonly referred to as Manila men, or Manilamen, and later Tagalas.
Another shrimping village called Clark Cheniere was built by a group of Filipinos led by Juan Rojas. Accounts from early settlers relate that in the 1830s, Filipino seamen or Manilamen, were living in palmetto frond huts along Bayou St. Malo. By the 1860s, St. Malo became the largest fishing village on the southern shore of Lake Borgne. It served as an outpost for boats fishing further down the coast.
Fiesta Filipina also features participation from a vibrant array of Filipino American organizations such as Kapitbahay of Greater New Orleans (KBGNO), Filipino American Association of Baton Rouge (FAABR), Filipino-American Association of St. Tammany (FAAST), Filipino-American Fellowship Church (FAFC), Filipino American Friends of Acadiana, Filipino-American Association of the ARKLATEX, Filipino-American Association of Northeast Louisiana, Tangipahoa Filipino American Community (TFAC), and Filipino Educators Federation of Louisiana (FEFL).
For more information, visit www.plhs.net
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