301. Aug. 30 – Sept. 3 Free or Nearly-free Multicultural Events Toronto

 

Ashkenaz Festival 2010. Copyright ©2012 Ruth Lor Malloy

Thursday, August 30

At noon-time, diners at Nathan Phillips Square will hear West African-inspired music by Afrafanto and the Tich Maredza Band for free. This is the last of this summer’s Tasty Thursdays outdoor music series.

The Ashkenaz Festival mainly at Harbourfront started two days ago and continues to September 3. It is North America’s largest festival of Yiddish and Jewish culture and includes input from India, Israel, Uganda, Russia, Mexico, etc. Its many free events include talks, music, dance, and films. Expect performances like the Lemon Bucket Orkestra and Klezmerson. Our blog should help you choose from 200 performers, but we welcome your suggestions. Click on: http://bit.ly/QLzOkh

 

Menu. Ashkenaz Festival 2010. Copyright ©2012 Ruth Lor Malloy

At about 6pm, a Mayan ceremony will be performed at Dufferin Grove Park, across from Dufferin Mall, one block south of Dufferin subway station. It is also free but donations might be requested.

The Canadian National Exhibition’s International Stage will feature the amazing Chinese Yate Dance & Acrobatic Team, the Ballagh Bunch, singer Romulo Delgado, and Cuba’s Damidance. These are included in the general admission price.

Friday, August 31

The Ashkenaz Festival continues. North York Centre’s Mel Lastman Square will host the well-organized and free 31st Hispanic Fiesta. Expect 300 local & international Hispanic performers representing 20 countries. Vendors too.

The CNE’s International Stage line-up will include the Chinese acrobats, Kalev’s Rhythmic Gymnastics, FlamenKathak (Jorge Miguelo Flamenco), and the Wisma Mega Indah Angklung group (Indonesia).

 

Vendor at Muslim Celebration 2011. Copyright ©2012 Ruth Lor Malloy

Saturday, September 1

52nd Anniversary of Tibetan Democracy Day will be celebrated at the Tibetan Canadian Cultural Centre in Etobicoke with speeches and cultural performances. The entrance fee is $15.

Muslimfest will be in Celebration Square, Mississauga. The celebration at the end of Ramadan will have performances, comedy shows, multicultural bazaar, kids carnival, food, etc. Admission is free and everybody is welcome.

Brazilian Day will be in Nathan Phillips Square with free family activities, samba drummers, games, capoeira, arts and crafts, etc.

 

Yate Acrobats & Dancers. CNE. Copyright ©2012 Ruth Lor Malloy

The Ashkenaz Festival will continue at Harbourfront and elsewhere, and the Hispanic Festival at Mel Lastman Square. Today, the CNE’s International Stage will show the Chinese acrobats, a stunning Filipino folklore dance, the Shiamak Davar International (India), and Revival (Russia).

Sunday, September 2

The Ashkenaz Festival continues mainly at Harbourfront, and the Muslimfest goes on in Celebration Square, Mississauga. The Hispanic Fiesta will be at Mel Lastman Square. The CNE’s International Stage will host the Chinese acrobats, Latin Energy, Grupo Chile, and Hawaiian Pacific Magic (Polynesian).

English Country Dancing will be in High Park.

 

Hispanic Festival 2011. Copyright ©2012 Ruth Lor Malloy

Monday, September 3

Today, Labour Day, signals the end of summer and the beginning of a new term at school the next day. Offices, banks, schools, and most stores will be closed.

Look for Brazilian Day at Yonge-Dundas Square, and the Hispanic Fiesta at Mel Lastman Square.

The CNE’s International Stage will offer the last chance to see the Chinese acrobatic dancers, and the Indian Shiamak Davar International.

Please check our web-site: www.torontomulticulturalcalendar.com for details, and in some cases, performance schedules and bios. Click on “Upcoming” for a printable version. And don’t forget to send us your impression of the performances, and notices of festivals we’ve missed. Our e-mail is: ruthlormalloy@gmail.com .

 

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