Winnipeg: Folklorama


In Winnipeg, as in most big Canadian cities, there is an unassimilated immigrant presence at the surface of daily life. Canada has an official policy of multiculturalism, enshrined in the constitution, and cultural displays of difference are actively encouraged by federal and provincial governments. Winnipeg’s diversity is impressive. The city has a significant Francophone minority, several large immigrant communities, including Canada’s largest per capita Filipino population (at over five percent), and a relatively big Aboriginal population. This is just the tip of the iceberg, however. Over 100 languages are spoken by city residents.

Enter Folklorama, an annual August multicultural festival. Since 1970, Folklorama has provided a celebratory space for Winnipeg’s various immigrant groups to showcase their traditional culture, food, and performance. This year 45 different pavilions were set up to host guests and provide a little cultural exposure.

Last year Folklorama saw over 400,000 visitors over the two weeks of its festival. Folklorama has become a major event on Winnipeg’s cultural calendar. Admission to each individual pavilion is just C$6, and children 12 and under enter free of charge. Most pavilions focus on a live performance, but there is also traditional food and drink for purchase, as well as informational booths and boutique areas where various traditional objects can be purchased.

The Folklorama experience is quite moving, and in no small part because the participants are so enthusiastic. I attended three pavilions. At the first, the Chilean pavilion, we ate empanadas and drank wine prior to a performance, which was kicked off by the Canadian and Chilean national anthems. The rollicking Irish pavilion followed, and the evening ended at the Brazilian Pavilion, with its energetic samba and capoeira performance.

I took a Folklorama VIP World Tour on the opening night of this year’s festival. The VIP World Tour provides expedited access to three pavilions an evening, a progressive meal (including beverages), and coach service between pavilions. It costs C$69.95 per person.

During the 50 non-festival weeks of the year, Folklorama operates workshops, lectures, and other forums to educate Winnipeggers about their city’s many different cultures. This year’s two-week Folklorama ends this Saturday, but it’s not too early to start thinking about next year’s Folklorama festival.

Check out other dispatches on my road trip to Winnipeg here.

Some media support for my stay in Winnipeg was provided by Tourism Winnipeg and Travel Manitoba. All opinions expressed are my own.

(Image: Flickr/noricum)