Press Releases
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Folklorama Celebrates 447,000 Pavilion Visits

Event of the Year Achieves Highest Attendance in Three Years

(Winnipeg, Manitoba; August 15, 2010) - Folklorama welcomed 447,000 visits to 45 pavilions this year, a three-year high for attendance, as the festival celebrated being named the 2009 Event of the Year by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada. The festival also experienced a record high of 122 group tours, including eight new late night tours. The new late night tours were part of Folklorama's VIP World Tour program, which was close to capacity at 88% sold.

Folklorama Kick-off, presented by Manitoba Lotteries on July 31, had an estimated 13,000 people in attendance to take in the five hour sampling of what Folklorama has to offer. Shaw TV also broadcast the show live to an estimated 50,000 viewers on Channel 9 and to an estimated 250,000 more viewers Canada-wide on Shaw Direct Channel 299. 

In addition, people flocked to Old Market Square to take in a new initiative, Folklorama Culture at the CUBE, from Monday to Friday, July 26 to August 6. The new, free, cultural entertainment lunchtime concert series, presented by TD Bank Financial Group and held in partnership with Winnipeg Cultural Capital of Canada 2010, featured international and local performing groups.

Limited quantities of Folklorama Beer, a unique brew exclusively by Fort Garry Brewing Co. Ltd, are still available at Manitoba Liquor Marts. Every can features a "Peel and Win Contest" for a trip for two anywhere that WestJet flies, and the winning can has yet to be presented.

For the first time, Folklorama Beer is also available at Tavern United Pubs for a limited time, where patrons can enter to win a weekend football package in Phoenix.

Folklorama 2011 will be held July 31 to August 13.

Folklorama would like to thank our official sponsors and funders: Boeing, Canad Inns, Cambrian Credit Union, CTV, Fort Garry Brewing Co. Ltd, HOT 103/QX 104, Manitoba Liquor Marts, Manitoba Lotteries, MTS, Pepsi, The Forks, WestJet, Winnipeg Free Press, Manitoba Culture, Heritage and Tourism, Winnipeg Arts Council, and Winnipeg Cultural Capital of Canada 2010.

Folklorama was named the 2009 Event of the Year by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada. It 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. Developing out of the success of the festival, the organization also offers year-round programs: Talent, Teachings and Travel. All of the programs bring to life the organization's mission of celebrating diversity and promoting cultural understanding. To find out more visit 0Hwww.folklorama.ca.

Folklorama to Enter Week Two of Celebrating Diversity

(Winnipeg, Manitoba; August 6, 2010) - Week two of Folklorama, the largest and longest-running multicultural festival in the world, begins on Sunday, August 8 and runs until Saturday, August 14. Week two will see 23 different pavilions opening their doors to showcase their cultures through world class entertainment, authentic cultural food and drink, and interesting cultural displays.

Week two pavilions include:

Africa Pavilion
Argentina 'Tango' Pavilion
Belgian Pavilion
Caribbean Pavilion
Celtic Ireland Pavilion
Chile Lindo Pavilion
Colombia Pavilion
Ethiopia Pavilion
German Pavilion
Greek Pavilion
Hungary-Pannonia Pavilion
Israel Pavilion - Shalom Square
India Pavilion
Korean Pavilion
Métis People Pavilion
Pabellón de España - Spain Pavilion
Pavilion of Portugal
Pavilion of Scotland
Pearl of the Orient Philippine Pavilion
Scandinavian Pavilion
Serbian Kolo Pavilion
Slovenija Pavilion
Ukraine-Lviv Pavilion

With week two of the festival about to begin, Saturday, August 7 is the last chance to check out the pavilions featured in week one of Folklorama. Travel Guides are available at Manitoba Liquor Marts, Cambrian Credit Union branches or online at www.folklorama.ca.

Folklorama would like to thank our official sponsors and funders: Boeing, Canad Inns, Cambrian Credit Union, CTV, Fort Garry Brewing Co. Ltd, HOT 103/QX 104, Manitoba Liquor Marts, Manitoba Lotteries, MTS, Pepsi, The Forks, WestJet, Winnipeg Free Press, Manitoba Culture, Heritage and Tourism, Winnipeg Arts Council, and Winnipeg Cultural Capital of Canada 2010.

Folklorama was named the 2009 Event of the Year by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada. It 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. Developing out of the success of the festival, the organization also offers year-round programs: Talent, Teachings and Travel. All of the programs bring to life the organization's mission of celebrating diversity and promoting cultural understanding.

Last Chance to Experience Folklorama's Week One Pavilions

(Winnipeg, Manitoba; August 6, 2010) - Today and tomorrow are the last days to experience the 22 pavilions in week one of Folklorama, the largest and longest-running multicultural festival in the world. With seven pavilions offering late night parties on Friday and/or Saturday, plus all of the lively entertainment at the many shows, delicious cultural food and beverages and interesting cultural displays, you won't want to miss what these pavilions have to offer as they showcase their cultures.

"Folklorama's late night parties are always popular and so much fun," says Ron Gauthier, Executive Director. "They give everyone at the pavilion a chance to dance and join in on the celebration."

Week one pavilions include:

Africa/Caribbean Pavilion
Brazilian Pavilion
Casa Do Minho Portuguese Pavilion
Chilean Pavilion
Croatian 'Zagreb' Pavilion
Cuba Va! "Tropicana" Pavilion
DOTC First Nations Pavilion
Hungaria Pavilion
Indo Tropical Paradise Pavilion
Ireland-Irish Pavilion
Italian Pavilion
Mexican Pavilion
Pavilion canadien-français
Paraguay "Heart of South America" Pavilion
Philippine Pavilion Nayong Pilipino
Romanian Pavilion
Russian Pavilion
Serbian Pavilion 'Beograd'
Sudanese Pavilion
Tamil Pavilion
Ukraine-Kyiv Pavilion
Warsaw-Poland Pavilion

Week two of Folklorama, featuring 23 different pavilions, begins Sunday, August 8 and runs until Saturday, August 14. Travel Guides are available at Manitoba Liquor Marts, Cambrian Credit Union branches or online at www.folklorama.ca.

Folklorama would like to thank our official sponsors and funders: Boeing, Canad Inns, Cambrian Credit Union, CTV, Fort Garry Brewing Co. Ltd, HOT 103/QX 104, Manitoba Liquor Marts, Manitoba Lotteries, MTS, Pepsi, The Forks, WestJet, Winnipeg Free Press, Manitoba Culture, Heritage and Tourism, Winnipeg Arts Council, and Winnipeg Cultural Capital of Canada 2010.

Folklorama was named the 2009 Event of the Year by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada. It 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. Developing out of the success of the festival, the organization also offers year-round programs: Talent, Teachings and Travel. All of the programs bring to life the organization's mission of celebrating diversity and promoting cultural understanding.

Folklorama Kick-off Enjoyed by Thousands

(Winnipeg, Manitoba; August 1, 2010) - Last night, The Forks came alive with the multicultural entertainment of Folklorama Kick-off, presented by Manitoba Lotteries. There were an estimated 13,000 people in attendance to take in the five hour sampling of what to expect at the pavilions over the next 14 days. Shaw TV also broadcast the show live to an estimated 50,000 viewers on Channel 9 and to an estimated 250,000 more viewers Canada-wide on Shaw Direct Channel 299.

The mainstage entertainment showcased cultures from around the world with lively performances by African band Casimiro Nhussi Band, French Canadian ensemble Ca Claque!, Argentina Tango Pavilion Performers, Ballet Folklórico de Sinaloa in from Mexico, and Russian folk band Limpopo with dance duo Joc. Local Celtic rock band Dust Rhinos also took to the stage, along with Ballet Folklórico Arcoiris de Chile, in town from Chile for Folklorama, Latin pop sensation William Leyva and Brazilian ensemble Viva Capoeira.

The free event also featured family fun, an ethnic market presented by MTS and a colourful Folklorama ambassador parade. The Honourable Greg Selinger, Premier of Manitoba and His Worship Sam Katz, Mayor of Winnipeg, brought greetings.

Folklorama pavilions open today at locations throughout Winnipeg. Travel Guides are available at Manitoba Liquor Marts, Cambrian Credit Union branches or online at www.folklorama.ca.

Folklorama would like to thank our official sponsors and funders: Boeing, Canad Inns, Cambrian Credit Union, CTV, Fort Garry Brewing Co. Ltd, HOT 103/QX 104, Manitoba Liquor Marts, Manitoba Lotteries, MTS, Pepsi, The Forks, WestJet, Winnipeg Free Press, Manitoba Culture, Heritage and Tourism, Winnipeg Arts Council, and Winnipeg Cultural Capital of Canada 2010.

Folklorama was named the 2009 Event of the Year by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada. It 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. Developing out of the success of the festival, the organization also offers year-round programs: Talent, Teachings and Travel. All of the programs bring to life the organization's mission of celebrating diversity and promoting cultural understanding.



Folklorama Kicks Off July 31

(Winnipeg, Manitoba; July 30, 2010) - Celebrate the start of the world's largest and longest-running multicultural festival at Folklorama Kick-off, presented by Manitoba Lotteries, Saturday, July 31 from 5pm to 11pm at The Forks. The free event features family fun, an ethnic market presented by MTS, a Folklorama ambassador parade and a live mainstage show with world class cultural entertainment from international and local performing groups.

"Folklorama Kick-off is an excellent sample of what to expect at the pavilions August 1 to 14. There's lively, world class entertainment and fun for the whole family," says Ron Gauthier, Executive Director. "Thank you to title sponsor Manitoba Lotteries for their support of this great start to the festival."

The Honourable Greg Selinger, Premier of Manitoba and His Worship Sam Katz, Mayor of Winnipeg, will be on hand to bring greetings as Folklorama Kick-off is broadcast live on Shaw TV Channel 9 and Canada-wide on Shaw Direct Channel 299.

"Manitoba Lotteries is very proud to be the title sponsor of the Kick-off celebration as we welcome the world to Winnipeg," says Manitoba Lotteries President and CEO Winston Hodgins. "Folklorama always brings something new and exciting each summer, and on Saturday, you will see some of the sights and sounds of the pavilions as we officially begin the world's largest multicultural festival."

The Folklorama Kick-off mainstage line-up includes:

African band Casimiro Nhussi Band

French Canadian ensemble Ca Claque!

Argentina Tango Pavilion Performers

All the way from Mexico, Ballet Folklórico de Sinaloa

Russian folk band Limpopo with dance duo Joc

All the way from Chile, Ballet Folklórico Arcoiris de Chile

Celtic rock band Dust Rhinos

Latin pop sensation William Leyva

Brazilian ensemble Viva Capoeira

Folklorama would like to thank our official sponsors and funders: Boeing, Canad Inns, Cambrian Credit Union, CTV, Fort Garry Brewing Co. Ltd, HOT 103/QX 104, Manitoba Liquor Marts, Manitoba Lotteries, MTS, Pepsi, The Forks, WestJet, Winnipeg Free Press, Manitoba Culture, Heritage and Tourism, Winnipeg Arts Council, and Winnipeg Cultural Capital of Canada 2010.

Folklorama was named the 2009 Event of the Year by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada. It 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. Developing out of the success of the festival, the organization also offers year-round programs: Talent, Teachings and Travel. All of the programs bring to life the organization's mission of celebrating diversity and promoting cultural understanding. To find out more visit www.folklorama.ca.

 

New Folklorama Late Night Tours Selling Fast

More Tours Added to the Schedule

(Winnipeg, Manitoba; July 28, 2010) - After quick sales of Folklorama's new late night tours, part of its VIP World Tour program, more have been added to keep the good times rolling. The late night tours, available Fridays and Saturdays of the festival, arrive at the first of three pavilions at 7:45pm and the party continues until midnight.

As with all VIP World Tours, the late night tours include luxury motorcoach service; admission to three pavilions; lively, world class cultural entertainment; a progressive, cultural meal; bypassing line-ups and reserved seating with table service. With over 400,000 pavilion visits during the two weeks of the festival, a late night tour is the perfect way to avoid lines and guarantee admittance to a good time.

VIP World Tour runs all 14 days of Folklorama, August 1 to 14. Book a late night tour or any VIP World Tour online at www.folklorama.ca or call the Reservation Hotline at 204-982-6222 or toll-free at 1-800-665-0234. This is the first year Folklorama has offered the popular late night tours after introducing VIP World Tour in 2007.

Folklorama would like to thank our official sponsors and funders: Boeing, Canad Inns, Cambrian Credit Union, CTV, Fort Garry Brewing Co. Ltd, HOT 103/QX 104, Manitoba Liquor Marts, Manitoba Lotteries, MTS, Pepsi, The Forks, WestJet, Winnipeg Free Press, Manitoba Culture, Heritage and Tourism, Winnipeg Arts Council, and Winnipeg Cultural Capital of Canada 2010.

Folklorama was named the 2009 Event of the Year by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada. It 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. Developing out of the success of the festival, the organization also offers year-round programs: Talent, Teachings and Travel. All of the programs bring to life the organization's mission of celebrating diversity and promoting cultural understanding. To find out more visit www.folklorama.ca.



Folklorama Culture at The CUBE Kicks Off Today

(Winnipeg, Manitoba; July 26, 2010) - Get a taste of Folklorama as you enjoy your lunch as TD Bank Financial Group presents Folklorama Culture at The CUBE, a new, free, cultural entertainment lunchtime concert series. Folklorama Culture at The CUBE features international and local acts and runs Monday to Friday, July 26 to August 6, from 11:30am to 1:30pm at Old Market Square.

"Folklorama Culture at The CUBE is the perfect opportunity to enjoy some of Folklorama's world class entertainment and get a taste of what you will experience during Folklorama August 1 to 14," says Ron Gauthier, Executive Director. "Thank you to TD Bank Financial Group, Winnipeg Cultural Capital of Canada 2010, MTS and the Exchange District BIZ for their support of this exciting new initiative."

The Folklorama Culture at The CUBE line-up includes:

Monday, July 26 - French Canadian ensemble Ca Claque!

Tuesday, July 27 - Ireland-Irish Pavilion Performers

Wednesday, July 28 - Brazilian ensemble Viva Capoeira

Thursday, July 29 - Clyde Heerah & the Paradize Band

Friday, July 30 - Latin American band Tropical 99 with limbo dancer Prince Jo-Jo

Monday, August 2 - Hi Life Steel Orchestra

Tuesday, August 3 - from Los Angeles, Russian folk band Limpopo with dancers

Wednesday, August 4 - Latin band Buena Clave

Thursday, August 5 - singer/songwriter and fiddling sensation Sierra Noble

Friday, August 6 - Colombian Pavilion Performers, all the way from Colombia

Folklorama was named the 2009 Event of the Year by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada. It 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. Developing out of the success of the festival, the organization also offers year-round programs: Talent, Teachings and Travel. All of the programs bring to life the organization's mission of celebrating diversity and promoting cultural understanding. To find out more visit www.folklorama.ca.

Folklorama Launches 2010 Festival

(Winnipeg, Manitoba; July 13, 2010) - Members of the media are invited to a media conference on Thursday, July 22 at noon to launch Folklorama 2010. Folklorama entertainment, along with ambassadors dressed in traditional cultural attire, will be featured under the Canopy at The Forks.

A representative of the provincial government will deliver an official proclamation, declaring August 1 to 14 to be Folklorama weeks in Manitoba, and Mohamed Ismath, Folklorama President, and Ron Gauthier, Folklorama Executive Director, will also speak. Interview, video and photo opportunities will follow.

Folklorama would like to thank our official sponsors and funders: Boeing, Canad Inns, Cambrian Credit Union, CTV, Fort Garry Brewery, HOT 103/QX 104, Manitoba Liquor Marts, Manitoba Lotteries, MTS, Pepsi, The Forks, WestJet, Winnipeg Free Press, Manitoba Culture, Heritage and Tourism, Winnipeg Arts Council, and Winnipeg Cultural Capital of Canada 2010.

Folklorama was named the 2009 Event of the Year by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada. It 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. Developing out of the success of the festival, the organization also offers year-round programs: Talent, Teachings and Travel. All of the programs bring to life the organization's mission of celebrating diversity and promoting cultural understanding. To find out more visit www.folklorama.ca.


Folklorama Appoints New Board of Directors

New President to Oversee Largest Multicultural Festival of its Kind

(Winnipeg, Manitoba; April 15, 2010) - Folklorama is pleased to welcome new and returning faces to its board of directors for 2010-2011. The new board of directors was appointed at the Annual General Meeting of Folklorama/Folk Arts Council of Winnipeg on March 25, 2010 and met on April 14, 2010 to elect Folklorama's president and chair positions.

Mohamed Ismath was elected as the new president of Folklorama. Ismath has been extensively involved with Folklorama and the Tamil community and is a board member of the Tamil Cultural Society of Manitoba and of the Sri Lanka Association of Manitoba.

"We're happy to welcome the new board and president and are already gearing up for the festival, running August 1-14 this year," says Ron Gauthier, Executive Director. "With three new pavilions participating, Folklorama 2010 is set to be great festival with something for everyone."

Folklorama Board of Directors 2010-2011

  • Mohamed Ismath, President
  • Jim Court, Chair of Finance and Audit
  • Dr. Rayleen De Luca, Chair of Member Relations
  • Yvonne Hawryliuk, Chair of Youth and Scholarship
  • Gary Sarcida, Chair of Review
  • Amelia Sheocharan, Chair of Festival Development
  • Tracy Balagus
  • Angela Boehm
  • Julian Giubega
  • Shubha Mathur
  • Barbara Nepinak
  • Ashley Sharpe

Folklorama was named the 2009 Event of the Year by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada. It 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. Developing out of the success of the Festival, the organization also offers year-round programs: Talent, Teachings and Travel. All of the programs bring to life the organization's mission of celebrating diversity and promoting cultural understanding. To find out more visit www.folklorama.ca

 

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