Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier delivers his keynote remarks during the Barrio Fiesta Spain celebration. 

MADRID, 16 June 2024 – The Philippine Embassy in Madrid, in partnership with the community-driven Barrio Fiesta Organizing Committee, celebrated the commemoration of the 126th anniversary of Philippine independence in Spain with the grand parade, performances and festivities of the annual Barrio Fiesta en España at the Colegio Salesianos Estrecho, Madrid, Spain on 16 June 2024.

The Barrio Fiesta Parade was led by Philippine Embassy personnel with representatives from the Office of the Defense Attache and Migrant Workers Office and featured various Filipino community organizations in Madrid wearing Filipiniana attire.

The day commenced with a Flag Ceremony held at the grounds of Colegio Salesianos and an ecumenical prayer led by Bro. Rudy de los Trino, Fr. Ferdinand Sagana, Pastor Edward Sagao, Fr. Garry Paat, and the Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ.

Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier delivered his opening remarks after the recorded messages of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.; Vice President Sara Duterte; DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo and other Philippine officials were played and delivered.

The Barrio Fiesta fair showcased various vendors and providers of Filipino food, services and products from participating Filipino businesses and organizations. Participating Philippine agencies with booths include the Social Security System (SSS) and the Department of Tourism. Raffle prizes were also given out in between the various performances of singers and dance groups.

Ambassador Lhuiller led the community in paying tribute to the huge contributions of Filipinos in Spain and awarded the 2024 Gawad Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier Award to the ten most senior Filipinos in Spain.

A coronation ceremony was also held to honor eleven queens representing various regions of the Philippines and to confer the Binibining Barrio Fiesta crown on Ms. Irene Rondero.

Filipina actress Ms. Sofia Andres graced the event and provided glamor and much excitement to the Filipinos present.

More than 10,000 people attended the event making it another successful Barrio Fiesta celebration.  END

Ambassador Lhuiller poses with Filipino organizations and booth participants during the Barrio Fiesta 

Some of the cultural performances during the Barrio Fiesta Spain