Folklorama

It's that time of year again -- Folklorama kicked off last night at the Forks in Winnipeg. Here's an excerpt from Wikipedia, explaining what it is:

Folklorama is an event that runs for two weeks each August in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Folklorama is the largest and longest-running festival of its kind in the world (acknowledged by the International Council of Organizations for Folklore Festivals and Folk Art, also known as CIOFF). Visitors to the festival are invited to sample exotic cuisine and celebrate the cultural and ethnic heritage of people from dozens of countries who have made Winnipeg their home. Typically there are 40 to 45 pavilions presented, with half operating in week one and half in week two of the festival. Each country has an assigned venue, known as a pavilion. These pavilions are located throughout the city. Each pavilion presents a show featuring the song and dance of their culture, along with trademark ethnic cuisine and a cultural display. Many pavilions provide additional interactive components, such as having henna tattoos applied, or sell souvenirs and crafts to take home. Folklorama provides exposure to cultural groups and brings in thousands of tourists each year, adding to the city's economy. The Folk Arts Council of Winnipeg is the organizing body of Folklorama.

Look for pictures and video of Folklorama as we visit pavilions in the coming week. If you'd like us to visit a specific pavilion and make it the subject of a post, check out the Folklorama 2009 Travel Guide and let us know.