53rd annual Folklorama Festival welcomes two new Pavilions

Winnipeg’s largest multicultural festival, Folklorama, 2024 has officially kicked off.

Around a hundred people gathered Thursday morning at the Winnipeg Chinese Cultural Centre in Winnipeg, with dignitaries Uzoma Asagwara, Manitoba’s Deputy Premier, and Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham in attendance.

Folklorama marked the beginning of the season with traditional Chinese cultural performances, including a dragon dance and musical performances by Manitoba Great Wall Performing Arts.

“The beautiful thing about Folklorama is that you can take a trip around the world, a two week trip around the world, and never leave the City of Winnipeg,” said Mayor Gillingham.

Folklorama’s executive director, Teresa Cotroneo, says festival-goers this year are in for something special.

“We have two new Pavilions this year that we’re very excited about. Ghana will be taking part in week one and will represent the beautiful Gold Coast of Africa. Then Latin America in week two, which will actually represent some of the smaller Latin communities that we don’t necessarily see representation of in the festival,” said Cotroneo.

Judy Gravido Forbes, one of the Adult Ambassador Generals of the festival, says people can enjoy a show as the city celebrates the different cultures that make up our city.

“I am from the Casa do Minho Portugese Pavilion, great place to come out and see the great shows, as well as I love going to the Italian Pavilion. Love the food, love the entertainment, it’s a great place to go as well,” explained Forbes.

Carson Nellon, also an Adult Ambassador General, wanted to show some love for Pavilions close to him.

“I love the Israel Pavilion — Shalom Square. That’s the Pavilion I represented last year and now of course I represent all the Pavilions. They’re all great. I would also like to shout out the Chinese Pavilion for hosting all of us today. It’s truly a beautiful … building, beautiful Pavilion, and I hope people everyone comes to check both of those out and all the other Pavllions as well,” said Nellon.

CityNews reporter Joanne Roberts is going to be bringing live coverage from different Folklorama Pavilions starting next week, for the duration of the festival. Tune in at 6 p.m. Tuesday to Friday to meet the faces behind Folklorama and learn about different cultures in Winnipeg.