BACKGROUND
Folklorama is the largest and longest-running multicultural festival of its kind in the world, as determined by the International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Arts. Folklorama began in 1970 as a celebration of Manitoba’s centennial, and has grown into an annual two-week festival of global culture that takes place the first two weeks in August.
BASICS
Folklorama began in 1970 as a one-time, week-long event to help celebrate Manitoba’s centennial.
It was so well-received it turned into the annual event it is today, growing from 21 pavilions to 45 around the city this year.
In 2018 there were more than 445,000 visits to Folklorama pavilions, according to its most recent annual report.
Cotroneo said her first experiences with the festival came at age 12, as a dancer for the now-defunct Sicilian pavilion.
ELABORATION
The Government of Canada is providing funding to Folklorama and additional support to other festivals and arts presentations. The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism, announced a funding of $100,000 for Folklorama, Winnipeg’s annual two-week festival celebrating global culture and ethnic diversity.