Folklorama Festival 2024 opens on August 4 until the 17th. Please check their website for more details on event activities.
 
 

Summer in Manitoba will not be complete without a visit to Folklorama. It is the largest and longest-running multicultural festival in the world. Aside from the spectacular performances and displays, many enjoy the atmosphere of respect, appreciation for diversity, and the celebration of Manitoba’s multiculturalism. It is the only festival where you can experience as many global cultures as you can handle in one visit.

What is Folklorama?

It is a two-week festival held in late July or August featuring multicultural presentations, authentic ethnic food, cultural demonstrations and other activities. It showcases more than 40 volunteer-run pavilions each year, each one presenting a unique culture. The pavilions are located in various venues throughout Winnipeg – usually in school auditoriums, arenas or cultural centres. These venues tend to be clustered so you can visit more than one pavilion per evening. The first week features one set of pavilions. Another set is featured on the second week.

You can visit these sites on your own or through a tour. Prior to the pandemic, they offered many types of VIP Tours that include passes to two to three pavilions, air-conditioned transportation, reserved seating, a meal, and a guided cultural display tour. Activities and events could be different this year, now that in-person activities are back. Check the festival website to know the various activities offered.

Why should you see Folklorama?

Aside from the abovementioned reasons, you should experience Folklorama yourself because:

1. It’s fun and educational – Amazing dances, lively music, colourful traditional attires, beautiful ethnic crafts, and delicious food! What more can you ask for? Each pavilion is manned by friendly and welcoming ambassadors who can tell you more about the culture they are representing. It’s learning about global cultures the fun way.
2. It holds the distinction of being the largest and longest-running festival of its kind in the world – Folklorama was launched in 1970 in celebration of Manitoba’s centennial. The event started with 21 pavilions open for one week. The festival was so popular (it had more than 75,000 visits) that it has been held every year since.
3. Award-winning – The festival has been cited several times for being a pioneer in promoting Manitoba’s ethno-cultural communities. Aside from numerous tourism awards, Folklorama has been recognized for having one of the most robust volunteer programs and as one of the Top 20 major events that bring visitors to Canada.
4. It is mostly volunteer-run – If you want to see how the spirit of volunteerism works, participate in the event. Over 20,000 volunteers promoting their ethno-cultural heritage help run Folklorama every year. The event provides a variety of opportunities for fun and engaging roles for anyone interested in volunteering. And if you are 14-25 years old, Team Folklorama Youth Division has year-round activities that provide mentorship, networking, and skill-building. Interested in volunteering? Go to this page: Volunteers

 
Article updated June 14, 2024.