Maui’s annual barrio Fiesta set in honor of folk dance icon

Binhi at Ani Community Center’s 53rd Annual Barrio Fiesta will be dedicated to the memory of Maui Filipino community leader Agrifina “Aggie” Cabebe. WEBSITE

MAUI, Hawaii – Binhi at Ani Filipino Community Center’s 53rd Annual Barrio Fiesta will be dedicated to the memory of Agrifina “Aggie” Terredanio Cabebe, the first chairperson of the Barrio Fiesta and the “Mother of Filipino Folk Dance on Maui.” Cabebe died on December 14, 2020.

Food, performances and pageantry will showcase the diverse Filipino culture with Maui County residents on Friday, May 27 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

After seeing a Filipino folk dance performance by Aurelia Viernes on Maui, Aggie Cabebe began traveling to Honolulu to learn dances from her. Thus began Cabebe’s legendary journey of sharing her love with countless dancers, which continued for decades. This also led to her involvement with the Miss Filipina Pageants. Her disciplined style earned her the nickname “The General.”

“The initial purpose of the Barrio Fiesta was to share the Filipino culture with the rest of Maui County and to also instill a sense of pride in local Filipinos of the rich culture of their motherland,” said Melen Agcolicol, president of Binhi at Ani, in a news release.

“The Barrio Fiesta is the longest running Filipino fiesta in the United States and we are proud to have it here on Maui. There is definitely something for everyone. And it’s a great way to continue to share our culture with all of Maui and to be with old and new friends,” said Nora Cabanilla-Takushi, this year’s chairperson, in the release.

Visit binhiatani.org for more information.