Winnipeggers got a little sneak preview of what they can expect when cultural festivities take over the city at the start of August. Folklorama held its kickoff event Saturday, highlighting some of the pavilions that people will be able to enjoy when the 55th annual event gets underway and celebrating Atlas the Folklorama llama’s 40th birthday. “Lots of fun was had and it was a great day,” said Vanessa Desorcy, the director of marketing, communications and engagement for Folklorama. “It’s just a great day to see people come together in excitement for the festival.” When everything gets underway on Aug. 2, there will be 45 pavilions for people to enjoy over the two-week event. There will be a few new exhibits for people to see, as the Salvadorian pavilion and the Heart of Romania pavilion are joining the fold this year. As well, the Chilean, Mexican, and First Nations pavilions are all making a return. “It’s just going to be a really great two weeks of food and performances and hopefully people will learn some new things about some of the cultures in our community.” On top of the new and returning pavilions, there are a few that are marking major milestones, said Desorcy. The Scandinavian, Ukraine Kyiv, and German pavilions are all marking 55 years, as they have participated in every single Folklorama since the beginning, and the Caribbean pavilion is celebrating 35 years. Along with celebrating the culture that makes up Winnipeg, people will have the chance to enter a contest as well at each pavilion. There will be posters set up with a QR code on them. When scanned, people will be entered in for the chance to win a European river cruise. Each pavilion counts as one entry, meaning someone can enter up to 45 times. More details on each pavilion and the entire Folklorama schedule can be found online. The 55th Folklorama Festival runs from Aug. 2 to 15.
