Tragedy Strikes Vancouver’s Filipino Pride Festival: Community in Mourning

A car rammed into the crowd during a celebratory event in Vancouver, leading to a tragic loss of life and deep emotional turmoil among attendees.

 

Vancouver's Lapu Lapu festival, intended to showcase Filipino culture and pride, turned into a scene of horror on Saturday night when an SUV plowed through the crowd. The devastating incident resulted in the untimely death of eleven people, including a young child just five years old, leaving many others injured and hospitalized. R. J. Aquino, chairman of Filipino B.C., expressed feelings of numbness and anger during a vigil held on Sunday night, attended by hundreds who came to mourn and support each other.

“This tragedy is incomprehensible,” R. J. said, his voice reflecting the pain felt by the community. Festivalgoers described their shock and confusion as they witnessed the devastating events unfold. Roger Peralta and Bjorn Villarreal, both immigrants to Canada since 2016, recounted terrifying memories of the incident, with Bjorn even chasing the vehicle in a desperate attempt to intervene.

The emotional impact was profound, with Roger describing sleepless nights replaying the horror in his mind. Despite this trauma, he emphasized the resilience inherent in Filipino culture, known as Bayanihan, a spirit of communal support and unity that binds Filipinos, even strangers, together.

Flowers and candles have begun to appear at a makeshift memorial near the site, with an outpouring of support from the community. British Columbia's Premier David Eby paid tribute to the Filipino community, acknowledging the extensive contributions they make throughout the province in healthcare, childcare, and the broader Canadian society.

“This event does not define us,” Premier Eby stated firmly as he stood in solidarity with the grieving community. Both Bjorn and Roger shared their frustration with how the tragedy could occur but affirmed their dedication to healing and supporting one another. The call for justice remains strong, as the community grapples with the aftermath of sorrow and seeks to uplift one another amidst the devastation.