Every August, when the sights and sounds of Folklorama hit the streets of Winnipeg, we’re reminded of how diverse and multicultural our communities really are. And Folklorama isn’t just a big deal for Manitobans. It’s billed as the largest and longest-running multicultural festival of its kind in the world.
Many of us would like to travel to far-off places and explore this great big world of ours, and Folklorama allows us to do so without leaving home—and without breaking the bank. It’s also fun for the entire family.
This year’s festival takes place July 31–August 13 and features more than 45 pavilions showcasing dozens of different countries.
Niverville’s own Kristina Gerbrandt will be dancing with the Orlan Ukrainian Folk Ensemble in the Ukraine-Kyiv pavilion this year.
“Folklorama has been part of my entire life,” says Gerbrandt. “My grandparents were volunteers; my parents, aunts, and uncles were volunteers; and now my family volunteers. When I am not performing, I am volunteering the entire week in General Admissions.”
This year, the Ukrainian pavilion is celebrating the 125th anniversary of Ukrainian immigration to Canada. If you decide to go, you’ll enjoy foods like varenyky, holubtsi, borshch, and kovbasa. It is located at The Maples Collegiate, 1330 Jefferson Avenue, and runs for the first week of Folklorama.
At the Caribbean pavilion, you can hear steel band music, watch performers dance the limbo, and try foods like roti, jerk chicken wings, and Jamaican patties. At the India pavilion, be sure to taste their butter chicken, naan bread, and samosas. You could also try on a sari or turban, or get a henna tattoo.
The Korean pavilion offers fan and drum dances, martial art performances, and demonstrations of the Korean artform of calligraphy. Give your tastebuds a treat and try kimchi, mandu, or kimbab. Or relax at the Cuban pavilion, sipping a mojito while Pro World Champion dancers perform the rumba.
With so many pavilions to visit and cultures to experience, the festival offers tours so you can go to two or three pavilions all in one night. If you don’t want to worry about transportation between pavilions, they offer World Tours for individuals. They also offer Party Tours that can accommodate groups of 15 or more. Or you can zip between different venues with their Cycle Tours. Each of these tours include admission to multiple pavilions, the ability to bypass lines, reserved seating with table service, a delicious progressive meal, and world-class entertainment.
“Folklorama is a wonderful event to learn about other cultures and countries without leaving our own province,” says Gerbrandt, who has been involved in Folklorama since 2004. “It is nice to be able to physically travel to a country, but if you aren’t able to, this is the next best thing. You won’t be disappointed at any show you visit!”
The festival begins with a kickoff on July 23, from 4:00–10:00 p.m., at Memorial Park in Winnipeg. This free event includes a marketplace with children’s activities and cultural and sporting demonstrations. New this year is an international wine and beer garden.
