Cultural pride gears up for joyful display at 54th Folklorama

With less than four days to go, the final countdown is on for Winnipeg to bask in a rich display of traditions from around the globe at Folklorama.

The festival is running its 54th edition from Aug. 3 to 16 with 43 pavilions throughout the city.

After decades of operation, the two-week event stands as a mirror of Winnipeg's history — woven by different languages and cultures that have been nurtured over generations to make a diverse city, said Teresa Cotroneo, the festival's executive director. 

"When you visit a pavilion, you feel the love and pride our communities pour into sharing their heritage. It's really a beautiful reflection of who we are collectively," Cotroneo said at a news conference Wednesday. 

Folklorama began in 1970 and bills itself as the longest-running multicultural festival in the world. 

Added to this year's lineup are the Modern Chinese and Mabuhay Philippine pavilions. The Argentina Tango, Budapest-Hungaria, African, Métis, Spain and Canadien-français pavilions are returning after taking one or more years off from the festival, Cotroneo said. 

Some pavilions are marking milestone anniversaries, including the Scotland pavilion celebrating its 50th year at the festival, and the Tamil pavilion marking 25. 

However, Manitoba's wildfire situation prompted Neemu-Egwah, organizer of the festival's First Nations pavilion, to withdraw their participation with the hope of refocusing support on those evacuated from their homes as the province remains under state of emergency.

Cotroneo said Folklorama stands behind the Neemu-Egwah decision, and it is partnering with the group to arrange Folklorama tours for some evacuees staying in shelters in Winnipeg, providing transportation, admission and food. 

"While we do hold space for those who are navigating hardship, we're also reminded of the power of culture to uplift, connect and bring joy," she said. 

'Volunteers truly make up the festival'

Mayor Scott Gillingham hailed Folklorama as a representation of Winnipeg's  beauty and the diversity of the city. He also gave a shout-out to Folklorama volunteers working at the festival. 

"Folklorama doesn't just come together in two weeks in August. It's a year-long operation that's at work," he said. 

The message of acknowledgement was shared by Kim Lee, president of the festival's board of directors.

"Our volunteers truly make up the festival," Lee said.

Proceeds from each pavilion will go back to the community, Lee said, in hopes of supporting culture preservation by using the revenue to allow the next generation to learn their traditions and customs. 

General admission tickets are $7.50, plus other applicable fees, the festival said. Those 12 and under can attend the festival free of charge.

Smoke billowing from wildfires has blanketed southern Manitoba at various times throughout the summer, forcing Environment and Climate Change Canada to issue alerts warning people to limit or reschedule outdoor activities in Winnipeg. 

A spokesperson for Folklorama said that while all pavilions operate indoors, a few of them have an outdoor component. If air quality becomes an issue they will work with coordinators to keep visitors safe, the spokesperson said.

Some sports clubs and theater plays have cancelled, rescheduled or moved events indoors, but festivals like Winnipeg Folk Fest and Fringe proceeded with outdoor programming, while some events implemented precautions like masks and added medical personnel.  

The spokesperson for Folklorama said pavilions will be encouraged to allow visitors waiting in line to wait indoors whenever possible if air quality deteriorates.