Diversity the Spice of Edmonton Life
(firmenpresse) - EDMONTON, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 07/31/13 -- The is the world's largest celebration of multiculturalism in one location.
During Alberta's oil boom in the 1970s, newcomers arrived in and added to the cultural landscape created by Aboriginals and European settlers. In 1974, the province's culture minister Dr. Horst Schmid declared the first Monday of August an annual holiday to celebrate Alberta's diverse heritage. People gathered at to enjoy multicultural performances in what was then called Heritage Days.
In 1976, 11 communities showcased their countries through music, dance, crafts and cuisine. The food part caught on, and patrons flocked to the festival to sample global delicacies. The Servus Heritage Festival has since grown, moving to Hawrelak Park and expanding from one day to three.
Today, 60 pavilions host over 80 community groups celebrating their countries. A smorgasbord ranging from barbecued sardines to mangos dipped in chili powder awaits curious foodies as they take in cultural performances and check out handicrafts. Host groups select the cuisine, crafts or entertainment that best represents their country, and fans love the global gathering. Over 350,000 people attended last year's festival.
Not only has this three-day festival brought Edmonton's cultural communities together, but it's also helped shape Hawrelak Park. The Edmonton Heritage Festival Association spearheaded the campaign to build the amphitheatre that is now the park's crown jewel. The Heritage Amphitheatre is now also home to other major events such as the , and .
The festival's success stems from its philosophy of inclusiveness and cooperation. Festival veterans mentor organizers who are showcasing their country at the event for the first time. Last year, Cuba's debut was a smash hit with the pavilion selling out most of its food. Colombia and Brazil are represented at this year's festival.
When diverse groups come together great things can happen. Festival executive director Jack Little recalls people fearing the conflict in Cyprus would create tension between the local groups representing Greece and Turkey: "But by the end of the festival, I saw Greeks and Turks dancing on stage together."
Another cultural festival also happens in August. The Cariwest Caribbean Arts Festival started in 1984. For many years, the southern neighbourhood of Mill Woods was home to the festival, but in the early 1990s, moved downtown so that more Edmontonians could enjoy the revelry.
Cariwest revolves around a masquerade parade much like New Orlean's Mardi Gras and Rio de Janeiro's Carnival. The origins of these festivities dated back to the 18th century. After the sugar cane harvest, slaves were given a day off, and their celebrations evolved into the modern-day carnivals happening across the world.
A visual spectacle of colour and design, the costumes in Cariwest's signature parade event are the result of months of hard work. Want a sneak peek? Check out the Costume Extravaganza, held the night before the parade. Groups show off their lavish designs in a fun-filled competition where the only limit is imagination.
In the spirit of inclusivity, Cariwest invites non-Caribbean people to the parade. Local politicians and news reporters dress in colourful costumes for their chance to "play mask." Last year, a group of 60 kids from the Philippines Barangay Performing Arts Society performed a traditional dance at the parade.
Even if you're not dressed the part, you'll catch the Cariwest rhythm. The infectious parade inspires even bystanders to join the fun.
From reggae to calypso, the music continues well after the parade stops at Churchill Square, which is transformed into the Caribbean Village for the festival. Cariwest showcases the community's culture through food, arts and crafts and entertainment. If you have children, Sunday afternoon is the perfect opportunity for your family to be part of the children's carnival parade.
Next year, Cariwest turns 30, but the festival remains forever young at heart.
Contacts:
Edmonton Tourism - Media contact:
Renee Williams
Media Relations Manager
780.932.4865
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Datum: 31.07.2013 - 16:16 Uhr
Sprache: Deutsch
News-ID 1250655
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