Folklorama: The Icing On The Cake Of A Perfect Prairie Summer
I love Winnipeg in the summertime. Barbecues, cottage life, and patios are just a few of the reasons. Sure the mosquitoes are a force to be reckoned with, but I’ve lived in a lot of places in Canada and overseas, and come July there’s nowhere else I’d rather be. Winnipeg’s summer festival culture is the icing on the cake of a perfect prairie summer.
SHAWN LUND
Folklorama is a particular favorite for me. In its 37th year, Folklorama is the largest and longestrunning multicultural festival of its kind in the world. And it’s all happening here in little old Winnipeg. But beyond its international “celebrity” status and obvious cultural significance, Folklorama is also incredibly fun. How can you beat a night of entertainment for $4? Make that $14, and you can also sample some of the best delicacies from around the world.
I highly recommend checking out the India Pavilion, which is one of my must-sees every year. The food is outstanding, but be prepared for a little bit of spice. These dishes are not for the unadventurous or the faint of heart. This year’s entertainment ranged from the very traditional dances to Bollywood-inspired, more modern dances. If you love ornate costumes, the beautiful saris worn by the women will not disappoint. Also, if you feel like buying a sari of your own, check out the cultural display downstairs. Set up like a market, you can buy jewelry, shoes, fabrics, saris, and a myriad of other odds and ends.
When I asked one festival-goer why she came out to Folklorama, she said “I’ve lived here all my life and am very proud of what Folklorama says to others about our city. Over the years I’ve watched this cultural event grow and thrive, and have watched small ethnic pockets gather together and put on bits and pieces of their heritage for all to enjoy.
“Sometimes, this has been an elaborate undertaking and I’ve been to small little church basements where the budget was quite small. In it all, I am proud to be living in a city that celebrates ethnic diversity. I am proud to live in a city which encourages people to remember their heritage.”
I couldn’t agree with her more. When it comes down to it, I love what Folklorama says about our city. It recognizes the importance and unique qualities of even the smallest communities. The Tamil community in Winnipeg numbers only about 200 strong, and I’ve heard they put on a fantastic show, so that will definitely be on my list of pavilions to see next year. For two weeks every August, a city divided into north and south comes together to celebrate the things that make us different. It doesn’t matter how long or short a time you’ve been here. For those two weeks, we all have opportunity to learn about the many wonderful cultures that make up this city.
