276. Jun. 22-24 Multicultural Toronto Weekend

 

For people interested in free or nearly free events that showcase Toronto’s amazing diversity, this weekend is another treasure-trove.

Italian Heritage Month continues with art exhibitions, and on Saturday, an Italian street festival will be in Mississauga. Carlo Coppola, Anthony Brancati, and Paula Brancati are among the performers. There’s also an Italian event that day at the York Woods Library.

The Waterfront Festival East Coast fest will heat up Queens Quay from Spadina to Jarvis in more ways than one. Entrance for the three days is free. You can enjoy performers and cooking demos from Canada’s Maritimes. You can pretend to be an apprentice in 1812 York at the Wharf (now the Ferry Dock).

June is Aboriginal Heritage Month. (I hope you didn’t miss the 5:30am Sunrise Ceremony at Toronto City Hall on June 21, Aboriginal Day.) An Aboriginal Day Art Show is decorating the City Hall Rotunda until June 23. On Saturday, there’s a walk following the old Aboriginal trail along the Humber River. Toronto’s current major pow wow is on. This is one of my favourite festivals because it’s a competition, a reunion, and whole families take part. It ends with a free feast too. (The big national pow wow, alas, has moved to Hamilton).

 

From Friday to Sunday, Harbourfront is offering Franco-Fête with all kinds of French activities. Sunday is St. Jean Baptiste Day. It’s known in Quebec as‎ Fête Nationale. ‎ On Saturday and Sunday, the Dragon Boat Races are taking place on Centre Island. It’s no longer just Chinese; it’s genuinely, wonderfully, multicultural.

On Saturday, the Guyanese festival will try out its new digs in Markham. The Taste of Asia will be at its usual spot. It’s hosted by the Chinese, Progressive Muslims, Tamils, and the Town of Markham and continues on Sunday.

On Sunday also, the friendly Tatars have their festival. If you don’t know where Tatarstan is, here’s your big chance to find out about it, and its interesting culture. I’ve already posted the invitation they’ve extended on http://bit.ly/KEiv20 . It is charging $5 for its lottery, and $1 for games.

The Indians seem to be the only group celebrating June as Seniors’ Month. Their event on Sunday in Etobicoke includes a program of dances, skits, and music.

Details for these and other events (as you tell me about them) are or will be on: www.torontomulticulturalcalendar.com/Blog . If you want e-mail notification of new posts to this blog, please subscribe at the top right corner under the Brazilian flag. Our cups runneth over with amazing opportunities.