The Argentina Tango Pavilion is live at Pembina Curling Club. Visitors can enjoy delicious empanadas, milanesa, and chorizo sausage sandwiches. (Photo courtesy Folklorama)
Summer simply wouldn’t be the same in Winnipeg without Folklorama, an annual extravaganza and this year’s Festival features 43 ethno-cultural pavilions at venues across the city.
Celebrated throughout the city over two weeks, Folklorama is the largest and longest-running multicultural festival of its kind in the world. Held annually in Winnipeg, Manitoba, visitors can experience the cultural heritage of various communities. A designated building becomes a pavilion where a group can represent their culture by showcasing food, traditions, and entertainment. Back for their 54th year, Folklorama bills itself as an event where guests can experience traditional arts, costumes, warm hospitality, authentic recipes, dance, and music.
There is good news all around. This edition of Folklorama will feature two brand new pavilions—Modern Chinese and Mabuhay Philippine Pavilions. Several others are celebrating milestone anniversaries—50 years for Pavilion of Scotland, 25 for Tamil Pavilion and 20 for Celtic Ireland Pavilion.
The Celtic Ireland Pavilion is celebrating 20 years of performances at Folklorama. (Photo courtesy Dwayne Larson / Folklorama)
There is also a bit of sad news. The First Nations Pavilion has decided to withdraw from the Folklorama because of the impact of the wildfires on their community. But hopefully they will be back in action next year.
“Winnipeg’s story is one of many cultures, traditions, and communities coming together to create a truly diverse city,” says Folklorama Executive Director Teresa Cotroneo. “The languages, arts, and customs that have been nurtured here over generations are woven into the heart of our city. When you visit a Pavilion, you feel the love and pride these communities pour into sharing their heritage and it’s a beautiful reflection of who we are, collectively.”
Celtic Ireland features Riverdance-inspired choreography performed by the Brady Academy Irish Dancers. (Photo courtesy Dr. Tse Li Luk / Folklorama)
See the World Without a Passport
Launched in August 1970, Folklorama is one of Canada’s most family-friendly events, with each pavilion showcasing its own unique flavour and style.
You can visit the Pavilions individually, but if you can, take advantage of one of many VIP Tours. During my most recent visit to Winnipeg in 2023 I had the opportunity to visit the British Isles Pavilion, Africa / Caribbean Pavilion, and Pearl of the Orient Philippine Pavilion on a Pavilion VIP tour and it was worth the price of admission. My package included a luxury motorcoach with choice of drop-off and pick-up location, VIP entrance, reserved seating, a tour of the cultural display at my first stop, and table service. The evening featured progressive meals throughout the evening — an appetizer at the first stop, a main course at the second, and dessert at the final location. There was also a tour guide available.
Enjoy the richness of the Métis tradition through performances by the Asham Stompers, a high energy jig and square dance group. (Photo courtesy Dr. Tse Li Luk / Folklorama)
The Pearl of the Orient Philippine was an excellent show, featuring costumes and dancing put on by Winnipeg’s large Philippine community. During the tour we enjoyed the show and had an appetizer at the British Isles stop, dinner at the Africa / Caribbean stop and then finished the evening with dessert at the Philippine Pavilion. Besides the music and food, these Pavilions also featured shopping where visitors could purchase clothing, music and gifts before the performance.
Celebrating their 50th anniversary at Folklorama, the Pavilion of Scotland features the Flying Haggis Show Band and Ena Sutton Highland Dancers of Winnipeg. (Photo courtesy Dr. Tse Li Luk / Folklorama)
I loved the shopping because there were things there you simply wouldn’t find anywhere else. At the British Isles Pavilion, I was able to buy candy from the shop for my mother that she hadn’t enjoyed since she was a young nursing student in Britain.
Running until August 9, the first week schedule will feature several shows including Argentina “Tango”, Chinese and Punjab Pavilions. August 10 – 16 will showcase a new group of performances including Africa/Caribbean, German, Polish and Scandinavian Pavilions.
Another thing that makes Folklorama stand out are the artists. The German Society Brass Band has been performing at the festival for 30 years, where they have played at Folklorama`s German Pavilion at the German Club. The Todaschuk Sisters have captivated audiences throughout North America and will be performing at the Ukranian Pavilion along with the Troyanda Ukrainian Dance Ensemble. Philippe Meunier – Flamenco is an accomplished musician who was awarded numerous grants to refine his art in Seville. You can see him thrilling audiences at the Spanish Pavilion.
MORE ABOUT FOLKLORAMA
Folklorama Website: folklorama.ca
Tourism Winnipeg: www.tourismwinnipeg.com
Admission options: Click here
Find a pavilion: Click here
Full list of performers: Click here
