It's rare when a festival can be all-encompassing. One that celebrates multiculturalism, diversity, inclusivity, local merchants, global cuisine, cultural performances, and live music, plus raffles and prizes, too.
The Multicultural Connections Festival manages to accomplish it all, while at the same time spreading the message of building community and personal connections. Everyone is invited to join the festivities on July 8 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Coquitlam's Lafarge Lake. The festival is hosted by Low Entropy Foundation, in partnership with title sponsor Prospera Credit Union.
"We've done a lot of planning and partnered with a lot of small, medium and corporate businesses for this event to highlight different cultures in our local communities," says Noemi Victorino, director of fund development, Low Entropy Foundation.
"I think more than half the residents in Coquitlam speak another language, which means they come from different cultures, and we want to ensure we celebrate the differences that make us unique."
The festival, like other Low Entropy events, provides a platform for participants to connect by sharing their vision to build a better future for Tri-City communities.
"We recently opened Thrift & Fund, a Thrift Store in Burquitlam, a social venture in an effort to increase revenue and fund our free programs, addressing food insecurity, unemployment, and mental health," reveals Victorino.
Connecting through cultural performances
The festival kicks off with a welcome introduction before the first official performance at 10:35 a.m. by Jane Wylie, showcasing Indigenous hoop and jingle dancing.
An eclectic group of dancers, musicians, and soloists take the stage throughout the day to enlighten and entertain, with performances including:
- Chichiquita Dancers/Zambales Society of BC (Philippine traditional dance)
- Neynava (Iranian band); Shot of Scotch (highland dancing)
- Damasco Soul System (South American reggae afro beats)
- Mariachi Tabasko (mariachi band)
- Hula Spirit (Polynesian dance)
- City Opera Vancouver
- The Safari Lounge (West African drumming beat and dancer), and
- Prairie Wolf with Tim Readman (Celtic music/fiddler)
Additionally, enjoy a fashion show with ethnic-inspired clothing pieces, plus a panel discussion, "Turning Obstacles Into Opportunities," with Gina Chong, Trish Mandewo, Erfan Torfenejad, and Elder Marie Hooper from Kwikwetlem First Nation.
"The speakers are individuals who come from different ethnicities and have managed to become great members of our society despite the challenges that came with being a minority,” explains Victorino. "We're a non-profit that's making personal development accessible to all, and in doing so, we're providing people with tools to change themselves and their surroundings."
Food, vendors, prizes
Indulge in delicious ethnic cuisine from Vietnamese, Japanese and Greek, to Mexican and Arabic, among others, with options like Camion Cafe, JAPADOG, The Mad Greek Food Truck, Holy Taco, Fifo Falafel & Grill, and Mama’s Fish and Chips, and treats like Little oOties Mini Donuts and Cravings Kettle Corn.
Local vendors include pre-packaged foods, non-profits, business professionals, gifts, and crafts. "We purposely incorporated a lot of small market-type vendors," says Victorino. "We have over 100, and they're given the opportunity to highlight what they do in their businesses for the community."
At the festival, you can support the foundation with a chance to win one of five themed baskets: a health and wellness basket ($750.00 value), two grocers basket ($200 value each), a wine and dine basket ($200 value), and a community basket ($500-plus value), whereby most participating vendors contribute an item from their stock. Raffle tickets are $3 each; three for $5; 10 for $10.
"Canada has always been welcoming to people from all over the world," says Victorino. "Each culture has something amazing to offer and that calls for celebration. Through this event, we come together as a community and support each other."
For more information, visit lowentropy.org
