488. Free Pan American Games Cultural Events – 2015

Lisa Odjig Hoop Dancing.  Copyright ©2015 Ruth Lor Malloy

Lisa Odjig Hoop Dancing. Copyright ©2015 Ruth Lor Malloy

The Pan Am Flame was lit during a traditional ceremony in May at the Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacan, Mexico.

On July 4, 5, 7, 8 and 9, you will have another opportunity to celebrate it in various parts of Toronto along with free cultural performances from participating Pan Am countries. If you are not interested in sports, you can still enjoy the festivities that the flame symbolizes. For those at Nathan Phillips Square, the Distillery District and the CNE grounds, see: http://www.toronto2015.org/panamania.

As for the free community celebration programs with the Pan Am Flame, they are at the Prince Edward Viaduct, the University of Toronto Scarborough campus, Albion Arena, and Mel Lastman Square.

Prince Edward Viaduct, Saturday, July 4, 5 to 11 p.m. Bloor Viaduct. Performances include: Lisa Odjig, Kobo Town, Maracatu Mar Aberto, Clay & Paper Theatre, Amélie et Les Singes Bleus and DJ Linterna. The Pan Am flame will arrive at 7 p.m. Official remarks for the lighting of the Luminous Veil will begin at 9 p.m. The headlining act will perform at 9:15 p.m. and the lighting of the Luminous Veil will take place at approximately 10 p.m.

Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre (which will be known as the CIBC Toronto Pan Am/Parapan Am Aquatics Centre and Field House during the Games). Sunday, July 5. Noon to 4 p.m. University of Toronto Scarborough Campus, 875 Morningside Ave. Performances include: Lisa Odjig, Maestro Fresh Wes and Henry Flow. The Pan Am flame will arrive at 2:45 p.m.

Albion Arena. Tuesday, July 7. 5 to 9 p.m. 1501 Albion Rd. Performances include: Jerry Jerome and the Cardells, Shiamak Davar, Toronto Dance Team and Parichay. The Pan Am flame will arrive at 7 p.m.

Mel Lastman Square. Wednesday, July 8. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 5100 Yonge St. Performances include: All Nations Juniors, Les Chiclettes and Samba Squad. The Pan Am flame will arrive at 12:30 p.m.

Nathan Phillips Square, Thursday, July 9. 5 to 9 p.m. 100 Queen St. W. Performances include: Maracatu Mar Aberto, TDots Finest Bboys and BGirls, Les Chiclettes, Live Art by Essencia Collective and DJ Grouch. The Pan Am flame will arrive at 7 p.m. Athletes from Team Canada who will be competing in the Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games will also make a special appearance during the celebration.

For details, see: http://www.toronto.ca/311/knowledgebase/12/101003313312.html

Bloor Hot Docs Cinema has a mini Pan American film festivals starting this evening but you have to pay: http://bloorcinema.com/templates/content/panamania. Pan Am Games Partner celebrations are at: http://www.toronto2015.org/celebrate/partner-celebrations.

The Pan Am Games are a many-splendored thing. Forget about the traffic jams. Take public transit and enjoy this unique opportunity that Pan Am sports is bringing to Toronto.

Samba Squad. Copyright ©2015 Ruth Lor Malloy

Samba Squad. Copyright ©2015 Ruth Lor Malloy

1 Comment

  1. More free events with the Pan Am flame, this time from the Aga Khan Museum: “Join us on Sunday, July 5, rain or shine, when the Aga Khan Museum launches the first public program in the Aga Khan Park.

    “4 pm: Fun begins when Reflections — Celebrating Our Cultures and Communities conjures the colours, sounds, and tastes of the Silk Road. Browse a souk, enjoy music and dance, try yoga and art activities, and more!
    8:15 pm: Don’t miss the arrival of the Pan Am flame to the Aga Khan Park. Share the Pan Am spirit with neighbours just days before the Games begin!
    – See more at: https://www.agakhanmuseum.org/learn/event/welcome-pan-am-flame#sthash.EIGP2aQt.dpuf.”

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