By Christian Cunanan
The Mother Language Festival 2026 brought together communities from around the world on Sunday, August 9, at Holland Park in Surrey, BC, for an afternoon of language, culture, music, dance, and heritage.
More than 50 performers represented First Nations, Filipino, Bangladeshi, Ukrainian, Indian, Chinese, Vietnamese, Russian, Malaysian, Singaporean, and Salvadoran communities.
Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke said she was glad to join the celebration, noting that the many languages and cultures make Surrey unique. “Events like this help us learn from one another and build understanding and belonging,” she said.
Representing the Filipino community were Mabuhay House Society, Alliance Philippines, Anahaw Filipino Canadian Performing Arts Society of BC, and Grupo Ilocano.
The festival was a beautiful reminder that language connects us to our roots while culture brings us together.
ReyFort Media 
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