16 Aug
Are any of our multicultural or inter-faith groups working on Global Warming together? I’m concerned that I haven’t found any. I was hoping it was something that could bring us together as a community. It’s an issue of importance to all of us.
In the meantime, here’s our latest list of mostly free or nearly-free events inspired by our diverse city. We’ve added some expensive events for variety. Alas, we can’t include them all.
Africa. Caribbean. Summer Afro-Caribbean Vegan Evening Market. Saturday, August 24. 4-9pm. Free. The 519 Community Center, 519 Church Street.
“… enjoy and purchase delicious Afro-Caribbean vegan foods, amazing health and beauty products, vegan friendly clothing, art … You do not need to be Vegan to Attend! Everyone is welcome to come out learn, shop and eat.
“…The Afro-Caribbean Vegan Market is a NOT FOR PROFIT event with a mission to provide a space for vendors of Afro-Caribbean art, plant-based vegan products and services… to network… to share information and educate people about the many benefits of adopting a healthy vegan lifestyle by way of guest speakers, workshops and more.” https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/summer-afro-caribbean-vegan-evening-market-tickets-62150060504. Black History. Emancipation Month Closing Ceremony. August 29. 6-8 or 9pm. Council Chamber/Members’ Lounge, Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen Street West.
“ The Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit will host a closing ceremony for Emancipation Month 2019, which will feature commemorative reflections on the CABR Unit’s significance within the context of global Black freedom struggles. The ceremony will also feature a celebration of key milestones achieved over the past 12 months, the official release of the Unit’s year-in-review report and accompanying video, as well as announcements of the CABR Unit’s major activities and initiatives planned for the next 12 months.”
https://www.byblacks.com/events/event/1872-emancipation-month-closing-ceremony.
Sorry we didn’t hear about this event sooner, but there’s still time for the Emancipation Month Lecture Series: August 22. 12pm. Consilium Place; August 29. 12pm. Toronto City Hall. https://www.byblacks.com/events/event/1870-emancipation-month-lecture-series.
China. Taiwan. Buddhism. Fo Guang Shan Temple Tours. Saturdays (with some exceptions). 1 and 2pm. Free. In English. 6525 Millcreek Drive, Mississauga.
“Since the completion of Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple in 1997, we have received numerous groups of visitors including students, community organizations, local & overseas tourists.
“No registration is required. Please visit our information desk for confirmation or phone 905-814-0465. For groups of more than 15 people, please contact Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple at info@fgs.ca. Website: http://www.english.fgs2.ca/temple-tour.
Ruth’s note: I think this beautiful temple has the largest Buddhist statues in the city. Taking photos of the Buddhas is not allowed. Its tea house is only open to members.
Cuba. Raising Republic of Cuba Flag. Toronto-Cuba Friendship Day Ceremony. August 24. 4:20pm. Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen Street West. https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/awards-tributes/tributes/flag-raising-half-masting/flag-raisings-2019/
Grenada. Grenada Day. August 24. 12-11pm. $10-$90. Downsview Park, 35 Carl Hall Road.
“Grenada and its sister islands; Carriacou and Petite Martinique. 10,000+ attendees visit Grenada Day in Toronto for a well-rounded taste of all things Grenada. Welcoming members of the Grenadian diaspora and friends of Grenada from both the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and abroad to experience the Spice Isle’s flavor.
“…activities and performances for the family including karaoke, big Drum dancing, maypole dancing, and musical performances from local and international Grenadian artists… cultural performances by local and international artists, dance, activities for children, arts/ crafts, a variety of vendors, music, and most notably, Grenada’s delicious signature dishes. Grenada is known for its national dish, “Oil Down”, and its most reliable economic producer, the nutmeg which is the reason Grenada is known as the Isle of Spice.”
For details and schedule: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/13th-annual-grenada-day-2019-tickets-67101788255?aff=erelexpmlt
Ireland. Open House at Mississauga Irish Centre. August 24. 1–5pm. 4120 Ridgeway Drive #39, Mississauga. For more information: email: irishclubmississauga@yahoo.com or phone 905-607-8912.
https://www.mississauga.com/events/9438089–irish-club-open-house/
Thanks to Maureen Oleary for telling us about this and other Irish events. For more information, join her mailing list at moleary2001@rogers.com.
Japan. Workshop and Event on Kawaii Culture by Sebastian Masuda. August 22. 5:45-7:30pm. Free but must register. The Japan Foundation, 2 Bloor Street East, 3rd Floor. Tel. 416-966-1600.
“Sebastian Masuda, an icon of Harajuku and Kawaii Style… will begin with a short presentation on Kawaii Culture… he will move on to a participatory art project called Time After Time Capsule where attendees are encouraged to contribute personal items to fill a translucent sculpture that will travel around the world. Each participant may either bring a colourfully decorated item of personal value or create one on-site. Please do come and join us for this wonderful and unique opportunity. Spaces are limited, so sign up without delay.
“Kawaii (かわいい, pronounced [kaɰaiꜜi]; “lovable”, “cute”, or “adorable”) is the culture of cuteness in Japan. It can refer to items, humans and non–humans that are charming, vulnerable, shy, and childlike. Examples include cute handwriting, certain genres of manga, and characters like Hello Kitty and Pikachu.”
https://jftor.org/event/sebastian-masuda-2019/
Korea. Korean Harvest Festival. August 24 and August 25. 12-10pm. Free admission. Mel Lastman Square Rink, 5100 Yonge Street, North York.
“Enjoy Korean food, drinks, and cultural events like traditional sport of Tae Kwon Do, dance and drumming, K-pop dance concert, interactive audience games, and masked singer competition. There are also visits by prominent members of the Korean-Canadian community, politicians, celebrities and other VIPs during our opening ceremony.”
For more information about this please visit: www.torontokhf.com.
Multicultural. Canadian National Exhibition. CNE. August 16-September 2. Daily: 10am-10pm. All CNE shows and attractions are free with admission $16-$20. https://theex.com/main/guest-info/tickets/ticket-prices. To download map of grounds: https://theex.com/main/entertainment/
This multi-faceted event includes many different cultures, among them international food in the Food Pavilion, Japan’s giant Godzilla, and China’s Legends of the Silk Road lanterns. There’s also the daily Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation Exhibit.
Bandshell Concerts. Jamaica. Reggae. August 21. Jay Douglas and Ken Boothe; August 26: First Nations. Buffy Sainte-Marie, etc. https://www.todocanada.ca/city/toronto/event/cne-bandshell-concerts/.
First Nations’ witty author Drew Hayden Taylor will be on stage August 22 at the Wine Garden, Heritage Court, Enercare Centre; Germany’s Oktoberfest will be on August 29-September 2.
International Pavilion, Enercare Centre. For multicultural shopping, tourism information, and entertainment:
At the International Stage, Enercare Centre, Hall B:
Multicultural. ILL-ABILITIES Dance Crew is an all-star team of differently-abled dancers whose goal is to inspire audiences across the world with its positive attitudes and unique dance moves! This international break dance crew is comprised of eight dancers from Brazil, Canada, Chile, South Korea, The Netherlands, and the United States. https://theex.com/main/entertainment/international-performers/ill-abilities-dance-crew.
First Nations: From Brantford, Ontario, the White Pine Dancers is a group of family and friends dedicated to sharing their gifts of song, dance and stories… Known for its highly energetic and entertaining shows, the White Pine Dancers educate audiences on Indigenous culture through fun and informative performances which feature a colourful display of traditional First Nation clothing, music and dance. https://theex.com/main/entertainment/international-performers/white-pine-dancers
India. Kathak – a classical dance form with its roots in North India, along with Classical Hindustani music!
Latin Fusion. City Dance Corps will showcase a specially-made Latin Fusion performance for the CNE this year.
Also: performers inspired by the cultures of Poland, Philippines, Ireland, China, Egypt, Ghana, Spain, Scotland, Caribbean, Slovenia, Mexico, Ukraine, Guinea, Hawaii, Korea, and Portugal.
For schedule: https://theex.com/main/entertainment/international-performers/panwar-music-and-dance-productions
Multicultural. First Nations. China. Canada. Concerts. Opening of the Helga and Mike Schmidt Performance Terrace and Reed Family Plaza. August 21. 12-3pm and every Saturday and Sunday throughout September. Free. Exterior of the Royal Ontario Museum, Bloor Street West.
Featured performers on Wednesday, August 21: Young Creek Singers, University of Toronto Faculty of Music, My Pop Choir, Toronto Chinese Orchestra, and Muse 9.
Muslim. Jummah Prayer and Flavors of the World Food Festival. August 30. 1:45pm. Free entry. Celebration Square, 300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga.
“Flavors of the World Food Festival will follow right after the prayers. Plus, there will be lots of kids fun activities throughout the day. Come hungry! Your inner foodie will enjoy our delicious selection of mouthwatering dishes, which range from all parts of the globe.” https://www.facebook.com/events/937978879883377/
Philippines. Mabuhay Philippines Festival. August 23-25. Free. Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West.
“Mabuhay is one of the largest celebrations of Philippine heritage and culture in Canada. Enjoy colourful parades, traditional and contemporary entertainment, world-renowned fashion and authentic culinary delights.” For times and more information: https://www.todocanada.ca/city/toronto/event/mabuhay-philippines-festival/
Sri Lanka. India. Tamil Fest. August 24. 12-11pm; August 25. 11am-9pm. Free. Markham Road between McNicoll and Passmore Avenues, Scarborough.
With over 200,000 attenders last year, Tamil Fest claims to be the largest Tamil street festival of its kind outside of the Indian subcontinent… with traditional and modern Tamil culture, cuisine, arts and entertainment, a variety of traditional Tamil cuisines, midway rides and street performances. https://www.todocanada.ca/city/toronto/event/tamil-fest/
Taiwan. Vietnam. Riding the Waves with Vietnam. TAIWANfest. August 23. 6pm-10pm; August 24. 12pm-10pm; August 25. 12pm-6pm. Free. Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West.
“TAIWANfest continues its Dialogue with Asia series this year with Riding the Waves with Vietnam an exploration of courage and resilience of people through music, food, films, fashion, arts, and free family programming.” https://taiwanfest.ca/toronto/programs/
Ukraine. 27th Annual Celebration of Ukrainian Independence Day. August 24. 10am-1pm. Free. Centennial Park, Mississauga.
Stage show, food fair, beer garden, market place, kids garden. https://ucctoronto.ca/ https://ucctoronto.ca/events/ukrainian-independence-day-2019-1.
Uruguay. Raising Flag of the Eastern Republic of Uruguay Independence Day. August 25. Ceremony at 10am. Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen Street West. https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/awards-tributes/tributes/flag-raising-half-masting/flag-raisings-2019/
Ruth’s Note: TorontoMulticulturalCalendar.com chooses to promote events that encourage a feeling of community in our culturally-diverse city. Mention doesn’t mean endorsement as we try to include events we think readers will find stimulating in the cultures of other groups. If you go to any of our mentioned events, please send us corrections or an account of your impressions.
Let us know the kind of events that interest you. Please continue to send posters to ruthlormalloy@gmail.com. We don’t charge to include them and we don’t accept paid advertising. We are privately financed. Please post comments on “Leave a Reply” below.