Vancouver Lapu Lapu Day festival to return April 19 with new safety measures after 2025 attack

Organizers say Vancouver’s annual Lapu Lapu Day festival will return April 19, nearly a year after a vehicle ramming attack at last year’s event killed 11 people.

Filipino BC announced the gathering will be held at the Italian Cultural Centre rather than on surrounding community streets, saying the venue change is intended to prioritize safety while allowing the Filipino community to come together for reflection.

According to a statement from the organization, this year’s event will be called the “Lapu Lapu Day of Togetherness,” focusing on shared reflection and healing following the April 26, 2025 attack. A vehicle drove into a crowded street during the festival, killing 11 people and injuring dozens.

Police later charged Adam Kai-Ji Lo with 11 counts of second-degree murder and 31 counts of attempted murder in connection with the incident. The case is before the courts and the allegations have not been proven in court.

Filipino BC said the 2026 festival will operate under a comprehensive safety plan that includes controlled access points, trained security staff and coordination with emergency services. Organizers are encouraging attendees to participate in ways that support their individual healing needs.

Board member Céline Loriot said in the release the event is intended to help the community gather while acknowledging the lasting impact of the tragedy.

“It isn’t about moving on from what happened,” Loriot said in the statement. “It’s about moving forward together with survivors, families and the broader community to reclaim space for healing, cultural pride and collective care.