Ang Babáng Luksâ ng Bayan: The First Anniversary of the Lapu-Lapu Festival Tragedy

By E. Maestro

Vancouver, April 20, 2026 — On the first anniversary of the Lapu-Lapu Festival tragedy in Vancouver, we remember the 11 lives lost, the many injured, and the communities impacted by holding a commemoration mass on Sunday April 26, at 10:30 AM at the St. Mary the Virgin South Hill Church, 808 East 50th Avenue, Vancouver. After the service, everyone is invited to the fellowship at the hall for coffee and light refreshments.

Babáng Luksâis a Filipino tradition that marks the end of a period of mourning, usually one year after the death of a loved one. It is typically observed with a mass, prayers, lighting of candles, and a gathering of family and friends to remember and honour those who have passed.

It was exactly on this date, April 26, a year ago, when the vehicle-ramming attack happened just when the festival was winding down in the early evening. The following day, in collaboration with St Mary the Virgin church, Migrante Canada, Migrante BC, and BAYAN BC, the urgent call was made for a Luksang Bayan (People’s Mourning) by Migrante to its members and networks across Canada. Luksang Bayan was also observed by chapters in other countries and in the Philippines with vigils, candle-lighting, flower memorials, and prayers. 

Less than 24 hours after the tragedy.  the first mass for the Luksang Bayan was held that Sunday, April 27, 2025 at St Mary the Virgin South Hill Church, Little was known then about the names and number of those who died, how many were injured, etc. St Mary the Virgin South Hill church opened its doors to a community that was still in shock, in grief, and in trauma.  Many churches, regardless of denomination, offered vigils, prayers, masses, and the sense of comfort that we all had each other, 

The tragedy did not just happen to individuals; it impacted families and communities. This is why this tragedy cuts so deeply. 

Migrante BC and the PANCIT Art Collective summed up this public sentiment:  “Grief and mourning bring us together. Kinship and friendship make us stronger. Solidarity holds all of us in its embrace as we move towards justice and accountability.

All are welcome to join us at the Babáng LuksâCommemoration mass on April 26.###

MEDIA ADVISORY

Grefa Pinera, Rector’s Warden, St Mary the Virgin South Hill Church

Cell: 604-719-2159 | grefa.pinera9632gmail.com

Erie Maestro, People’s Warden, St Mary the Virgin South Hill Church

Cell: 604-366-7218 | eriemae@gmail.com