Folklorama ready for 53rd year

Volunteers gave Winnipeg residents a taste of what to expect over the next two weeks during Folklorama, an annual celebration of culture and diversity.

Now in its 53rd year, the festival will take place in the city for two weeks from August 4. The Chinese pavilion performed a traditional dance on Thursday, giving the public a taste of the activities to come.

“It’s a celebration of diversity, embracing and celebrating all the different cultures, the food and the entertainment,” said Judy Gravito Forbes, the 2024 Adult Ambassador General. “It’s really important that we support each other and show the love that we have for all of our different cultures here in Manitoba.”

There are more than 30 pavilions spread across the city, including two new pavilions: Ghana, which showcases Africa’s Gold Coast, and Latin America, which represents smaller countries not previously featured.

“We are very curious to see the creativity they have come up with this year,” said Teresa Cotroneo, director of Folkroma.

Planning for Folklorama starts a year in advance, Cotroneo said.

“These communities start putting together an application early in the fall and start planning for the coming year,” she said. “And then we work with the communities throughout the year, holding meetings, making sure they’re supported, making sure everyone has the certifications they need and really just the tools they need.

“But the communities are responsible for the lion’s share of the actual implementation of their pavilions and they are able to mobilize thousands of volunteers each year.”

Cotroneo said Folklorama helps bridge the gap between cultures in Winnipeg.

“It’s really an opportunity for people to learn about each other’s cultures and realize that we’re all alike in so many ways,” she said.

Folklorama ends on August 17. More information about the pavilions can be found online.