2022 Ambassadors’ General - the faces of Folklorama for 2022. The 2022 Adult Ambassadors’ General are Sarahdelle Galera (Pearl of the Orient Philippine Pavilion) and Karman Sidhu (Punjab Pavilion). The Youth Ambassadors’ General representatives are Sudan Parke (Pearl of the Orient Philippine Pavilion) and Nicolas Tamayo (Pearl of the Orient Philippine Pavilion).

The world’s largest and longest-running multicultural festival, Folklorama, is back till August 13th!

Twenty-four Pavilions across Winnipeg are open to the public, showcasing some of Manitoba’s finest ethno-cultural arts and cuisine.

Week One Pavilions: Belgian Pavilion, Casa do Minho Portuguese Pavilion, German Pavilion, Irish Pavilion, Japanese Pavilion, Métis Pavilion, Pavilion of Scotland, Polish Pavilion, Romanian Pavilion, Scandinavian Pavilion, South Sudanese Pavilion, and Ukraine-Kyiv Pavilion.

Week Two Pavilions: Africa Pavilion, Celtic Ireland Pavilion, Egyptian Pavilion, Hungary-Panonnia Pavilion, Israel Pavilion - Shalom Square, Italian Pavilion, Pavilion canadien-français, Punjab Pavilion, Slovenija Pavilion, Spirit of Ukraine Pavilion, and Tamil Pavilion.

“Folklorama is thrilled to be back to celebrate its 51st Festival,” states Richard Reif, President, Folklorama Board of Directors. “It’s been a long two years and our Folklorama family is looking forward to welcoming guests home again.”

Along with the Festival, the VIP Tour experience returns as well. There are 37 unique tours where one can either cycle, walk, or take a luxury motorcoach for an evening of food, fun, reserved seating, VIP entrance and a Volunteer Tour Guide.

“The Folklorama Festival serves as a major annual fundraiser for most of our communities,” says Teresa Cotroneo, Executive Director, Folklorama. “Funds that are made in a Pavilion during the Festival remain in that community and support year-round programming initiatives such as language classes, traditional dance, immigration transition support, and most importantly, community connections. Being back in person promotes a special energy where culture can be celebrated and shared with pride.”

2022 Ambassadors’ General – the faces of Folklorama for 2022

Not all pavilions are back this year.

Folklorama enthusiasts will miss the very popular and well-attended Pearl of the Orient Philippine Pavilion of Magdaragat Philippines. However, despite the pavilion’s absence, the Filipino community is very well represented because three of the four 2022 Governors General are from the Pearl of the Orient Philippine Pavilion. The Youth Ambassadors’ General representatives are Sudan Parke (Pearl of the Orient Philippine Pavilion) and Nicolas Tamayo (Pearl of the Orient Philippine Pavilion). The 2022 Adult Ambassadors General are Sarahdelle Galera (Pearl of the Orient Philippine Pavilion) and Karman Sidhu (Punjab Pavilion).

Folklorama began in 1970 as a one-time celebration of Manitoba’s centennial but has since grown to be the largest and longest-running multicultural festival of its kind in the world. Currently, the organization offers year-round programs: Folklorama at Home, Folklorama at Work, Folklorama at School, Folklorama at Play. All the programs bring to life Folklorama’s mission of celebrating diversity and promoting cultural understanding.

Masks are encouraged, not required

The health and safety of guests, volunteers and staff is top priority. Considering the high vaccination rate of Manitobans, feedback from Pavilion representatives, and consultation with public health authorities, Folklorama will proceed with the policy that masks are encouraged, not required. Proof of vaccination will also not be required.

For more information, visit: Folklorama.ca.