2024 Canadian Multicultural Festival
June 27 is Canadian Multiculturalism Day. For the month of June, the New Canadians Centre is organizing the third Canadian Multicultural Festival, a series of programs and events to celebrate multiculturalism in Peterborough.
“The Multicultural Festival is a highlight of our annual calendar. It is a wonderful opportunity to bring people together to learn, to share and to celebrate. It is extra-special this year as we bring people together to celebrate the NCC’s 45th anniversary”, says Andy Cragg, Executive Director of the New Canadians Centre.
We launched the month with the Multicultural Food Crawl (June 1 to 30). Here are some other activities taking place between Jun 19 and 30:
Launch: Bollywood Dance Party & Marketplace – Wednesday June 19, 4.30-7.30pm, Millennium Park
Instructor Magna Karthik will lead us through a dance routine that will be lots of fun for beginners and experienced dancers alike. Check out the Marketplace for Indian-inspired snacks, henna, rangoli art, crafts, and artwork by local artists. Wear comfortable colourful or Indian clothing to enhance the festive spirit!
Community Conversation – Thursday June 20, 6:00pm at the Peterborough Public Library
To mark World Refugee Day (June 20), join us for a community conversation on “Our Home”. Hear inspiring stories, valuable insights from diverse speakers, and engaging dialogue on fostering welcoming communities and supporting refugees.
Moderator: Simal Iftikhar, Community Leader
Panelists:
- Dr. Alena Heitlinger – Professor Emeritus, Trent University
- Helen Reader – Manager, Selah House
- Mandana Kamali – Human Rights Advocate
- Mohammed Shamout – Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) Worker, New Canadians Centre
Try It Series
Take the opportunity to try a new activity! All activities are family-friendly.
- Zumba – Saturday June 22, 3:00pm (in collaboration with the City of Peterborough): Join us for a Zumba Party. Be sure to also check out the free face-painting, kid’s activities, giveaways, and the NCC’s Women’s Group Craft market!
- Jollof Rice Cooking Class – Sunday June 23, 12:00pm at the New Canadians Centre: Taste the flavours of Nigeria as we learn to cook the famous Jollof Rice!
- Language Exchange – Monday June 24, 3:30pm at the New Canadians Centre: Join us to learn common words and phrases in Spanish, French, Hindi, and Arabic through conversation and games! Put your knowledge to the test after for a chance to win prizes.
- Coffee and Tea Tasting “Sip Around the World” – Tuesday June 25, 2:00pm at the New Canadians Centre: Discover and savor unique brews from different corners of the globe, including Karak tea from the Gulf Region of the Middle East, Honduran coffee, Ethiopian coffee, Mexican hot chocolate, and Tunisian mint tea.
NCC’s 45th Anniversary Block Party – Friday June 28, 2:00pm at the New Canadians Centre
Come to the New Canadians Centre for a fun-filled afternoon outdoors, including a talent show, multicultural crafts, henna, face painting, a bouncy castle, and food!
In addition, visit the Cultural Fair to learn about some of Peterborough’s multicultural and faith-based groups and their programming.
Around the World in Northumberland – Wednesday June 26, 6:00pm at the Cobourg Marina
Enjoy cultural performances by the Northumberland Multicultural Dance Troupe and drinks and snacks from around the world!
Watch for more news to come about our programming for July 1 – “Lessons from the Land” at Nicholl’s Oval Pavilion, 9.00am to 2.00pm
For more information about the New Canadians Centre’s Canadian Multicultural Festival celebration, visit https://nccpeterborough.ca/multiculturalfestival/ and follow us on Facebook @newcanadianscentre and Instagram @newcanadianscentre.
This “Celebrate Canada” event is supported by Canadian Heritage, Part-Time CFO Services, the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area, City of Peterborough, GreenUp, YMCA, Peterborough Public Library and KawarthaNOW.com