Write-up of the Philippine Cultural Arts Festival

This year's event is the 27th annual festival. It is being celebrated in honor of the founder, Dr. Lolita Carter, who passed away about a week ago.

The Samahan Dance Company just returned from a tour of Mindanao. Their trip included a visit to the autonomous region. While they were there, they learned about the area's traditional music and dance, which they are performing here. The festival continues today, and it's a rare opportunity to see Mindanao tradition in the US.

The only problem with this festival is one that afflicts many such events: Not enough food booths. This was a smaller festival with one booth. They need at least two. Have lunch early. I had two seafood dishes, whose names I don't remember.

Pictures are on the way. My computer stopped recognizing my camera, and it may take a while to sort things out.

Photos: The ICF 340 Sandwich Sale

This event is part of foodie paradise. It's not a secret, but it's hard to find. It's open to all, but the sale only lasts for a few hours. They make everything themselves, except for the sfogliatelle and the sodas. It's a great place for breakfast, even though it's all lunch food. I had a sausage sandwich with peppers. After that, it was time for dessert with sfogliatelle. It's some of the best food you can eat at 8:30 in the morning.

While anyone can have a sandwich today, the real cognoscenti have ordered ahead of time. I saw many of them, carrying away big bags of raw meatballs and sausage. Someday, I'll preorder.

Some Greek fest food

Photos: Camarillo Greek Festival

Opa Dude is a mascot for the kids. He's part of a virtual scavenger hunt. Scanning the code below gives clues, and they learn about Greek culture. He is the essence of the festival.

Greek culture helped make surf culture. Dick Dale turned Greek guitar into surf guitar. "Miserlou" is a Greek song that dates back to the 1920s. More recently, it was used by the Black Eyed Peas.

Yesterday, we heard the song played by the Olympians, one of California's leading Greek bands.

Today is the last day of the festival. If you can get there, try the souvlaki. It's always good, but it's at a new level this year.

Photos: Portuguese Festa, Point Loma

June 12, 2011.

People came from all over. This is San Diego's oldest ethnic festival. It is celebrated every year at Pentecost.

Photos from the Long Beach Holland Festival

May 29, 2011. If you don't see your festival, contact us through the comments page.


This is the Holland Festival in Long Beach. Haring is sharing.