Winnipeg’s Folklorama 2025: two new pavilions, tours for wildfire evacuees 

The world’s largest and longest-running multicultural festival has kicked off in Winnipeg.

This year’s Folklorama is showcasing even more culture by adding two new pavilions: Mabuhay Philippine pavilion and Modern Chinese pavilion.

“Chinese pavilion, you are going to see a little bit more of the traditional Chinese folk arts. Modern Chinese pavilion is actually gonna be honouring the past but also showcasing a little bit of present China,” explained Teresa Cotroneo, the festival’s executive director.

Folklorama’s adult ambassador generals, Anne Oserin-Pinnock and Maribel Abrenica, say the two Philippine pavilions will focus on different regions.

“Mahubay Philippines very much focuses on the central area of Luzon. So you’ll see a very specific focus in that space,” said Oserin-Pinnock.

“So that you’re going to be seeing some of the dances and performances from the Cordillera area as well that they’re bringing in, too.”

The other pavilion, Pearl of the Orient, focuses on all the Philippine islands as a whole.

“Our theme this year is pamilya, or family – so that’s new,” Abrenica said.

Both countries – China and the Philippines – have two pavilions over the two weeks.

“It just means you get to see more of us and get to experience a lot more of the countries,” said Oserin-Pinnock.

Kim Ly, president of the board of directors for Folklorama, explains how the Chinese pavilions are themselves multifaceted.

“There’s 52 different cultures within that, so like going from Taiwan or something else, like Mainland China, there’s very different culture,” Ly said.

“Go travel the world with us! Enjoy the different pavilions. Yeah, it will be amazing.”

This year Folklorama runs from Aug. 3-16.

“The anticipation is building up and we can’t wait to open on Sunday,” said Cotroneo, who urged visitors to check out the “hidden jewel” that is Ethiopia’s pavilion.

“So we’re really looking forward to seeing all that they have to show the community this year.”

Last week, the First Nations pavilion withdrew from Folklorama, opting instead to focus efforts on supporting people displaced with wildfires.

“Many evacuees are carrying the weight of trauma after being forced to leave their homes. In this moment, it is essential that space, safety, and extra care be given to those most affected,” said Buffy Handel, the executive director of Neemu-Egwah, in a news release at the time.

Neemu-Egwah is the First Nations pavilion’s sponsoring organization.

During the kick-off, Cotroneo announced Folklorama would be partnering with Neemu-Egwah to provide tours for evacuees staying in Winnipeg as well as complimentary evenings at different pavilions for youth and senior groups on select nights each week.

“They are doing what they need to be doing right now for the community,” Cotroneo said.