Article content
The 53rd annual Folklorama Festival will begin Sunday, continuing on through Saturday, Aug. 17.
Article content
“Your neighbours look forward to welcoming you into their Pavilions to share aspects of their intangible culture and traditions” said Teresa Cotroneo, Executive Director of Folklorama, in a press release Thursday. “I encourage you to be curious, explore the captivating arts and cuisine that enrich our lives year-round and most of all, have fun!”
Thirty-eight Pavilions (19 in Week 1 and 19 in Week 2) will open their doors to give festival-goers a feast for the senses as they explore and learn. Two new Pavilions are being added this year – the Ghana and Latin American Pavilions. Proceeds generated within each Pavilion are reinvested into their respective ethno-cultural communities, fostering connections and offering support to newcomers.
Article content
“At the core of Folklorama lies its dedicated family of volunteers,” added Kim Ly, President of the Folklorama Board of Directors. “Their unwavering commitment brings Folklorama to life annually, with over 16,000 volunteers contributing more than 300,000 hours each year. Join us in extending our heartfelt gratitude for their continued dedication.”
Week 1 Pavilions will include Africa/Caribbean, Belgian, Casa do Minho Portuguese, Cuban, First Nations, German, Ghana, Irish, Israel – Shalom Square, Japanese, Mexican, Scotland, Pearl of the Orient Philippine, Polish, Punjab, Romanian, Scandinavian, South Sudanese, and Ukraine Kyiv. Beginning next Sunday, Week 2 Pavilions will include Brazilian, British Isles, Caribbean, Celtic Ireland, Chile Lindo, Chinese, Egyptian, Hungary-Pannonia, India, Italian, Korean, Latin American, Portugal, Slovenija, Spirit of Ukraine, and Tamil.
Article content
New for this year, Folklorama has created a late-night party combo pack for participating Pavilions and children aged 12 and under continue to enjoy complimentary admission when accompanied by an adult. Free child tickets must be reserved online in advance.
For further details, visit Folklorama.ca.
Last year, 40 pavilions welcomed 301,460 visits, an average increase in paid attendance of 5%, including 23,707 children 12 years and under who received free admission. Guests witnessed 874 fantastic shows, while 137 group tours visited from across Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, and the U.S.
Folklorama began in 1970 as a one-time celebration of Manitoba’s centennial but has since grown to be the largest and longest-running multicultural Festival of its kind in the world. Developing out of the success of the Festival, the organization offers year-round programs: Folklorama at Home, Folklorama at Work, Folklorama at School, and Folklorama at Play. All the programs bring to life Folklorama’s mission of celebrating diversity and promoting cultural understanding.
Have thoughts on what’s going on in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada or across the world? Send us a letter to the editor at wpgsun.letters@kleinmedia.ca
Share this article in your social network