Photo courtesy of: New Canadians Centre
The New Canadians Centre is inviting residents to celebrate culture, community and diversity during its fifth annual Canadian Multicultural Festival, a 10-day series of events taking place across Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes and Northumberland County.
The festival runs from June 17 to 26 and is organized in recognition of Canadian Multiculturalism Day, observed nationally on June 27. Organizers say the festival is designed to bring people together through shared experiences, food, music, dance and conversation.
“The Multicultural Festival shows what our community is capable of — people coming out to dance, eat together, share stories, and connect with neighbours they might never have met otherwise,” said Jeeniraj (JJ) Thevasagayam, executive director of the New Canadians Centre.
The festival opens June 17 with a community conversation at the Peterborough Public Library marking 10 years since Peterborough became a welcome centre for government-assisted refugees. The discussion will focus on the community’s experience supporting refugees and newcomers and explore future needs.
Other events include a community trivia challenge and Zumba session at Beavermead Pavilion on June 18, a multicultural services and fitness event in Bobcaygeon, and a story walk in Lindsay featuring Building a Home, a children’s book by Peterborough author Casandra Lee inspired by the experiences of newcomer families.
Participants can also take part in yoga and merengue dancing at Sadleir House, sample international flavours during a “Dip Around the World” tasting event at the New Canadians Centre, and enjoy multicultural performances and cultural displays at a community celebration in Port Hope.
The festival concludes June 26 with a family-friendly block party at the New Canadians Centre in Peterborough. The event will feature crafts, face painting, henna, a bouncy castle, food vendors, a cultural fair and live entertainment, including performances by the Kawartha Youth Orchestra, Indo-Canadian percussionist Agneya and a multicultural fashion show.
Festival-goers can collect stamps in a Multicultural Festival passport at each event. Those who attend three or more events will be entered into a prize draw.
Organizers will also be selling festival-branded T-shirts and tote bags featuring a floral design inspired by countries represented within the New Canadians Centre’s client community.
All events are open to the public.
