After a two-year hiatus, we are so excited to celebrate the 51st year of Folklorama, one of the largest and longest-running multicultural festivals of its kind in the world. This year, Folklorama runs from July 31 to August 13.
From traditional dancing and gift shops to warm hospitality and cultural displays, the festival’s pavilions have it all. And when it comes to one of the most impressive facets of Folklorama, the pavilions kill it when it comes to food.
Discover our Folklorama 2022 guide and learn about the delicious culinary creations, entertainment and the different activities that you can expect at each pavilion. This is your chance to explore the cultures of the world without a passport! Just be sure to bring your appetite…
Folklorama kick-off!
There’s no better way to kick off this year’s Folklorama than with the return of the Casinos Winnipeg Folklorama Kick-Off on July 23 at Assiniboine Park’s Lyric Theatre! Join in on the free family-friendly celebration from 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. to launch Folklorama’s 51st festival. You can check out the lineup of performances, workshops, children’s events and a series of local food trucks here!
Week One: July 31-August 6
During week one, the pavilions stretch from Germany, to Portugal, to South Sudan and Asia.
If you’re in the mood for waffles, you must check out the Belgian Pavilion. Located at the Le Club Belge (407 Provencher Blvd.), this pavilion will be serving up classic Belgian waffles, chocolates and beer. You can catch displays of pole archery, lace making and even take your shot at Belgian bowling!
Just east of Belgium, you can visit the Polish pavilion located at the RBC Convention Centre (375 York Ave). If you have a Polish background, you know how incredible the Polska Kielbasa (Polish sausage) is—it's seriously so good. And that’s exactly what you will find at the Polish pavilion, along with other traditional dishes like the Golonka (pork hock), Bigos (hunters stew) and of course the most notable, Pierogi (perogies). And we mustn’t forget about the lineup of beverages.
Enjoy Polish beer, wyborowa vodka, Luksusowa Wisniowka (cherry liqueur) or Subrowka (bison vodka). Eat, drink and enjoy the cultural displays of Poland, with Polish dance ensemble S.P.K. Iskry and the Polish School of Dance S.P.K. Iskry with music originating from various regions of the country.
During week one, dance your way to the upbeat Scottish pavilion at the Centro Caboto Centre (1055 Wilkes Ave). This immaculate show features the Ena Sutton Highland Dancers of Winnipeg, the exceptional Glenaura Pipeband and the Flying Haggis Showband. The food of Scotland features the iconic scotch pies, tatties and famous haggis. Listen to live pipes and drums, eat like the Scotts and enjoy a scotch whisky! If you’re in the mood to catch more of Europe in week one, be sure to check out Germany, Portugal, Romania and Scandinavia!
This year, the Petrus Hall (2624 Inkster) hosts the Japanese pavilion. Here you can find a traditional Japanese culinary lineup, with niku-don (beef on rice), vegetarian curry, chicken teriyaki and of course sushi by Chef Ono. Indulge in Japanese beer or share the summer favourite, kakigori—a flavoured shaved ice cone. If you get there early enough, you can even catch the pre-show martial arts!
During week one, the Métis pavilion encapsulates performances, cuisine and displays to showcase the history and culture of the Métis people. Head to the Heather Curling Club (120 Youville St.) to enjoy the Red River jig combined with square dancing by the Asham Stompers. Come experience Métis dance, fiddle, food and tons of fun!
Week one of Folklorama highlights the African country of South Sudan, with its pavilion located at the Sudanese Community Cultural & Resource Centre (129 Dagmar St.) South Sudan is among the youngest nations of the world and home to 64 tribes with distinct and diverse cultural identities. Enjoy the South Sudanese traditional signature dish, the Mulah Bamia (also known as Okra soup) as well as the Ta’amia (falafel).
This year, Folklorama is dedicating a special celebration to the Ukraine-Kyiv pavilion at Maples Collegiate (1330 Jefferson Ave). During week one, the celebration will identify the resilience and beauty of Ukraine and its heritage that spans over 1000 years. This year’s revenues will be solely dedicated to support the humanitarian aid efforts in Ukraine and assist Ukrainians that have arrived in Canada. The celebration of Ukraine also continues into week two at the Spirit of Ukraine Pavilion at Soul Sanctuary (2050 Chevrier Blvd).
Week 2: August 7–13
Experience the beauty of Africa during week two at Holy Cross Gym (290 Dubuc St). This celebration showcases royal performances, folk dances and the display of the African Spirit dance led by traditional instruments. While you’re there, don’t pass up incredible African signature dishes like the plantains (vegetarian dish), Sahara rice topped with spicy chicken, along with the Tusker beer from Kenya or even the African Punch! If you’re looking to celebrate even more African culture in week two, be sure to visit the Ethiopian pavilion at the Ethiopian Cultural Centre (215 Selkirk Ave)!
Pay a wee visit to the Fort Garry Curling Club (696 Archibald St) to discover why the Celtic Ireland pavilion has always been a fan favourite. This celebration is loud and proud to put on a performance celebrating the Celtic Ireland, with performances by the Brady Academy Irish Dancers, along with award-winning Riverdance style footwork and choreography. Indulge in a vast variety of pub grub and of course a perfect pint of Guinness.
Get a taste of the Middle East in week two with pavilions like Egypt and Israel! At the RBC Convention Centre, celebrate Egypt, aka the Mother of the world, Gift of the Nile and the Guardian of the Past. Celebrating its second pavilion ever, the Egyptian pavilion offers authentic street food and drinks, a warm café atmosphere and lively performances. Don’t miss the Egyptian afterlife mysterious exhibition diving into the concept of the Ma’at, the Ancient Egyptian Goddess of truth, balance, harmony and justice.
In week two, Israel takes the stage at the Asper Jewish Community Campus (123 Doncaster St)! Enjoy the internationally renowned Sarah Sommer Chai Folk Ensemble, bringing to life the best of Israeli culture through live performances and music. This pavilion offers falafel galore (chick pea balls), pita, hummus, potato borekas, pastries and desserts. Sip on imported wine, Goldstar beer or Sabra chocolate orange liqueur. For more Middle East action, be sure to also check out the Tamil pavilion at the Burton Cummings Community Centre (960 Arlington St).
The Punjab pavilion is celebrating 10 years with Folklorama! At the Punjab Cultural Centre (1770 King Edward St), experience unique culture, language and sample Punjabi cuisine like saag (spinach), chana masala (chickpeas) and chicken masala curry with naan bread kadhi (vegetarian curry made with yogurt). Don’t even get us started on the samosa tandoori chicken aloo tikki and pakora…
Mamma Mia! The Italian pavilion is celebrating its 50th year participating in Folklorama at the Centro Caboto Centre (1055 Wilkes Ave). Indulge in the Italian classics: pizza, pasta, gelato, antipasto platters and of course, the wines of Italy. Italian families are huge so be sure to get there early. Limited designated seating available by first come first serve.
You’re going to want to show up with an empty stomach to the Hungary-Pannonia pavilion (sorry, we had to). Located at the RBC Convention Centre (375 York Ave), celebrate Hungary by sampling the specialty spritzer and traditional offerings of Palinka or Golden Pear liqueur, and the incredible menu items like lamgos, paprika chicken with dumplings and cabbage rolls. If you want to check out more of Europe in week two, be sure to attend the Slovenjia pavilion at Bronx Park Community Centre (720 Henderson Hwy) for BBQ pork/chicken and hand-crafted pastries.
Ah, the sweet sounds of fiddles and spoons! Raise a glass of caribou or maple coffee at the Pavillon canadien-francais! Indulge in delicious tourtiere (meat pie) and pets de soeur (special rolled pastry) along with performances and cultural displays of French-Canadian heritage. Experience the joi de vivre of the French-Canadian culture at Le Centre culturel franco-manitobain (340 Provencher Blvd) in week two!
Purchase your Folklorama 2022 tickets today!
Purchase a VIP Group Tour with Folklorama. This means no waiting in lines and being front and center through reserved seating, while indulging in the delicious culinary creations and drink services. Book your VIP Folklorama experience today!
General admission is also available this year through online purchasing. Tickets guarantee admission only, so seating is not guaranteed. General admission online ticket sales close one hour before each showtime.
Plan out your 2022 Folklorama experience and buy your tickets today!
