Photo: Contributed

Kalingas to hold international celebration in Vernon this weekend.

More than 200 Kalinga people from around the world will be in Vernon for the International Festival of Kalinga Arts and Culture this weekend.

The public is invited to a free performance of music and dance at Kin Beach on Sunday.

Kalingas from around North America are holding an 'amung' or grand gathering in Vernon, July 28-30.

The Kalinga people are an indigenous tribe from Northern Luzon, Philippines, who are known for their colourful and lively spirit, innovative farming and fierce defence of territory.

Participants have pre-registered for a weekend of events that begins at the Halina Centre with a Friday evening reception that includes a tatachok (the beating of the gongs), Kalinga food and a Miss KaNA pageant. Saturday includes interactive music, dance and costume workshops as well as a gala dinner featuring Kalinga dance performances. The weekend wraps up with a picnic on Sunday at Kin Beach.

The public can see the beating of the gongs, dances, songs at Kin Beach at 2 p.m.

For more information, contact organizer Cheryl Bannoya by email or telephone 250-306-5625.