How OFWs Celebrate Traditions Abroad

Filipino workers abroad, known as OFWs, passionately maintain their cultural traditions, showcasing how OFWs celebrate traditions abroad, and creating a sense of home even overseas. Particularly during Christmas, they actively celebrate ‘Simbang Gabi’, a series of pre-dawn masses, in countries like Dubai and Hong Kong. Despite different climates, they come together, singing traditional carols like ‘Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit’. They then gather to share ‘bibingka’ and ‘puto bumbong’, evoking memories of the Philippines.

Similarly, OFWs exuberantly celebrate New Year’s Eve. In cities like Singapore, they wear polka-dot clothes and prepare 12 round fruits. Each fruit symbolizes prosperity for the coming months. Additionally, they create loud noises with pots, pans, or music, replicating the lively atmosphere back home.

Furthermore, showcasing how OFWs celebrate traditions abroad, they mark June 12th, Philippine Independence Day, with fervor globally. Embassies from Tokyo to Sydney organize cultural events, featuring traditional dances like ‘Tinikling’. These celebrations connect OFWs to their roots and proudly display Filipino heritage.

Also, OFWs observe All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day with deep reverence. They set up altars in their homes, decorated with photos and candles. This ritual honors their ancestors, reflecting the enduring Filipino values of family and respect for the departed.

Moreover, Fiestas and ‘Barrio Fiesta’ play a crucial role in Filipino culture. OFWs organize these events in various international locations, from parks in San Francisco to community centers in Riyadh. They include folk songs, traditional games, and a spread of Filipino cuisine. These gatherings reinforce community ties, showcasing the ‘bayanihan’ spirit of mutual support.

Additionally, OFWs find unique ways to celebrate other Philippine holidays. For instance, they celebrate the ‘Flores de Mayo’, a festival in May, with local flowers and processions. Even in countries with few Filipinos, they organize this festival, connecting with fellow expatriates.

Moreover, they recreate the tradition of ‘Pahiyas’, a harvest festival, in places far from agricultural settings. OFWs decorate their homes with colorful ‘kiping’ and cook ‘pancit habhab’, sharing the joy of bountiful harvests. This symbolizes gratitude and the hope for prosperity, resonating with their experiences abroad.

Finally, Filipino cultural traditions extend beyond specific holidays. Regular gatherings, featuring karaoke and traditional Filipino games, keep the community spirit alive. These small yet significant practices help maintain a sense of identity and belonging.

OFWs around the world actively preserve Filipino culture through various traditional celebrations. From Simbang Gabi to Barrio Fiestas, these events are more than rituals; they are a connection to their homeland. Importantly, these traditions underscore the resilience, joy, and communal spirit of Filipinos. They ensure that Filipino heritage thrives globally, embodying the warmth and pride of the Philippines wherever they are.