Asia Institute — Crane House (AICH), in partnership with Fourth Street Live! and with support from sponsors Louisville Downtown Partnership and Cultura Philippines, will host the inaugural annual Philippines Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, June 14, at Fourth Street Live!
This celebration of Filipino identity and culture will feature local food trucks and food vendors with cuisine from diverse regions of the Philippines, Filipino-themed performances, and retail vendors. The event is free and open to the public.
Why The Philippines Independence Matters
The Philippines had been imperialized by Spain for more than three centuries, from 1565 to 1898. After the defeat of Spain in the Spanish-American War, the United States assumed sovereignty of the Philippines and made the Philippines an unincorporated U.S. territory in 1899 and then a U.S. Commonwealth in 1935.
This colonial control continued for more than four decades, until the U.S. finally recognized the Republic of the Philippines as an independent state on July 4, 1946. July 4 was the traditional holiday until President Diosdado Macapagal changed the observance to June 12 in 1964. Now, that celebration of freedom and vitality comes to Louisville.
Politically, the Philippines autonomy as a nation is significant. Socially, cultural pride across the Filipino diaspora is just as significant. This Philippines Independence Day Celebration represents a new opportunity to emphasize the people of Philippine descent who live and thrive in Louisville.
How Louisville Celebrates Filipino Culture
AICH is a community resource established in Louisville to promote understanding of Asian culture and heritage through education, outreach, and arts. AICH Executive Director Joel Buno was born in the Philippines.
“I have lived in Louisville for over 25 years and have had such a great time learning and being a part of our local Louisville Filipino Community,” Buno said. “Filipinos are the third largest Asian population in Louisville (third only to Indian and Vietnamese). This event is my love letter to the strong and resilient Filipinos in Louisville.”
Food vendors at the celebration will include Bamba Eggroll Co., My Tindahan halo-halo, Mak-Mak’s BBQ, JL Cuisine, ChaCha’s, Wild Geis Kusina, Kapit Bahay, Ala Eh Eats, and Naimas. Educational and retail booths will include AICH, My Tindahan, and Lanceta Trading Company.
There will also be a cooking demonstration by Chef Nokee Bucayu, whose résumé is stacked with experience like executive chef at Wiltshire Pantry in Louisville and chef de cuisine at The Exchange in New Albany. She is also known for having won Food Network’s Holiday Baking Championship Gingerbread Showdown with her bourbon pecan pie. During the celebration, Bucayu will make lumpia, Filipino-style fried spring rolls filled with a savory mixture of pork, cabbage, and other vegetables.
Entertainment at the event, underwritten by funding from South Arts and the Kentucky Arts Council, will include Cultura Philippines, Louisville Filipino Choir Ensemble, Crestview Dance Studio, Saw Peep Pan-Asian Ensemble, and Reymart Tasic.
“Cultura Philippines’s mission is to pass on Filipino traditional dance — sharing history, culture, and connection,” said Gemma Fetalver, Senior Production Assistant of Cultura Philippines. “That’s what this celebration is about.”
In any celebration of cultural diversity, inclusivity is essential. “Events like this showcase the diverse cultural heritage that makes our city vibrant and welcoming and foster the kind of inclusive community connections that strengthen the fabric of our downtown neighborhood,” said Rebecca Fleischaker, Executive Director of Louisville Downtown Partnership.
The Philippines Independence Day Celebration is Saturday, June 14, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Fourth Street Live! Follow Asia Institute — Crane House for updates.
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This article appears in Apr 11-24, 2025.