286. July 19-22 Weekend in Affordable Multicultural Toronto

 

On summer Thursday lunch hours, free live music inspired by many of Toronto’s cultures accompanies sample dishes from some of our ethnic restaurants. The dishes are less than $7 each. Many people working near Nathan Phillips Square see this as a change from food court offerings. Come early to avoid the queues and get a seat. But beware, there’s little or no shade.

On Thursday at 6:30pm, consider the premiere of “AdoptedID,” a film about a Haitian woman adopted by a white Canadian family who returns to Haiti to find her biological parents. It’s at Hot Docs Bloor Cinema and $12 if pre-purchased on line.

On Friday evening, the Hot & Spicy Food Festival starts a three-day run at Harbourfront Centre. Its free classes, chef competitions, samples and live music inspired by Indian, Chilean, Mexican, and Egyptian cultures sound yummy.

The annual T&T Night Market is at the T&T Supermarket, 222 Cherry St., Toronto Port Lands. Asian-themed street food and free performances are available for three days.

At 7pm, the Museum of Inuit Art Gallery offers a tour and tips on collecting Inuit art. It also serves wines and hors d’oeuvres. $10. You need to pre-register.

Friday is the beginning of Ramadan. Many Muslims will be fasting by drinking no liquids nor eating during daylight hours. Don’t expect them to join you for lunch.

On Saturday at 11am, the highly recommended Junior Caribbean Carnival and Family Day is at Downsview Park this year. The children’s costume parade from 11am to 2pm is free.

The Unity Festival: Markham Around the World is on Main Street in Unionville from noon onwards. It includes Caribbean & Reggae, Bavarian, Tamil, Flamenco, Bollywood and Celtic musical acts. Among its vendors are Caribbean, Indian, and Mexican food.

At noon, the Beaches International Jazz Festival starts in various venues in the Beach and continues on Sunday and the following weekend. Many African, Latin, Jamaican, etc. bands.

At 6pm, a benefit with musical performances for a Tibetan Refugee Project is at the Tibetan Community Centre in Etobicoke, $20 for adults. $10 for children.

On Sunday, in addition to the above mentioned, BrazilFest is at Earlscourt Park. Free performances will probably start later but crafts, workshops and food for sale are expected at noon. The Unity Festival: Markham Around the World continues, this time on Main St., Markham (Markham Rd. & Hwy 7).

At 7pm, the humanitarian Amma is offering spiritual blessings to the public for free in the Indian tradition. It’s at the Double Tree by Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel. If you’ve never experienced a Hindu darshan, here’s your chance.

Details, addresses, and web-site information are on: www.torontomulticulturalcalendar.com . Please let us know of other free or nearly-free ethnic Toronto events we can add to this list. Tell us also about your multicultural adventures.  Email: ruthlormalloy@yahoo.com .