24 Pavilions to kick off the festival’s exciting return
After 2020’s hiatus and 2021’s virtual festival, Folklorama — the world’s largest and longest-running multicultural festival — is back in its in-person form. Twenty-four pavilions across Winnipeg will showcase their food, dance, music, and many captivating aspects of their cultural heritage to Manitobans from Sunday, July 31, to Saturday, August 13.
Winnipeg is considered one of the world’s most diverse and inclusive cities. With many cultures immigrating to call it home, it is only fitting to have a festival that celebrates diversity and inclusion.
The festival was founded in 1970 to commemorate Manitoba’s centennial. Originally planned to last for a week, the event now takes place yearly. The festival is spread over two weeks and went from an initial 21 pavilions to as many as 45 in 2019.
In that year, Folklorama had its 50th celebration. There were over 450,000 visits to the 45 pavilions throughout the event. Though the total number of pavilions has been reduced for this year’s celebration as organizations work to reestablish themselves from the COVID hiatus, the enthusiasm for the festival’s return remains higher than ever.
Moreover, Folklorama President Richard Reif is confident that in 2023, the total number of pavilions will rise again. He said, “Folklorama is a “great opportunity to engage great culture’s around the world without leaving your hometown.”
He indicated how proud he is to work with a hardworking, dedicated group at Folklorama. Everyone in the organization continues to play critical roles in making the festival the success it has been annually.
Reif quickly pointed out the significant contributions to the festival by the Manitoba Provincial government. Their financial commitment to Folklorama has been instrumental to the organization’s operational line.
The province is providing $300,000 to help support the Folklorama pavilions participating this year, as well as those who participated in 2019 but are not yet able to return for this year’s 51st edition due to the effect from the global pandemic. As well, $100,000 will be used to offset the admission price of the 9:45 p.m. shows on Monday and Tuesday nights to help boost attendance by reducing ticket costs. While the admission price for those specific shows will be lowered, the pavilions will still receive the full amount per visitor.
“One of our province’s greatest strengths is its rich cultural diversity, an asset so wonderfully showcased at this popular, family-friendly annual event,” said Jon Reyes, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Immigration.
“Our Executive Director Teresa Cotroneo, has done a fantastic job grant writing and working with key partners, and her poise and leadership during the pandemic have been incredible.” Said, Reif
With fewer Pavilions returning in 2022, Reif expects to see a tremendously positive response in participation from Manitobans. The festival also attracts visitors from around the world and many being from the United States; his optimism about their renewed passion for coming back to Manitoba remains high.
Folklorama Pavilions will follow all recommended COVID guidelines by the Manitoba government. For ticket information and the entire catalogue of pavilions, you can go to the Folklorama website.
Folklorama is back, and for two weeks in August, it will be the most entertaining and affordable event in the city of Winnipeg.
WELCOME BACK FOLKLORAMA
About The Author
