Venue: Casa do Minho Portuguese Centre, 1080 Wall Street, Winnipeg, MB

The pavilon was sponsored by the Spanish Club of Winnipeg. The menu included paella, which includes rice, chicken and seafood; chicken flamenco; and gambas al ajillo or garlic shrimp. Visitors relaxed themsleves as they watch the cultural program with some Spanish beers or a cold glass of sangria. The pavilion featured folk dances and flamenco.

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This August, at the Rainbow Stage in Winnipeg, audiences had some interesting and entertaining tryst with one of the most popular Biblical characters, Joseph. The Bible contains many practical and interesting parables and ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ was a musical parable that told the Biblical saga of Joseph and his coat of many colors.

The show saw some good turnout and lasted from Aug 3 – 27. The production had 80 cast and chorus members and was quite an extravagant affair. The story ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ is a British musical theatre show written by the team of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice.

Joseph was his father’s favorite son and blessed with the power to experience prophetic dreams. Sold into slavery by his cruel and jealous brothers, he reaches Egypt and runs into many adventures. His exploits becomes a constant challenge against which his own spirit and that of humanity has to stand its ground.

One day Joseph is purchased by Potiphar but has to land in jail when he refuses to respond to Potiphar’s wife’s amorous advances. As the news of his gift to experience and interpret dreams reaches the court of the Pharaoh – who was hilariously depicted as Elvis in the musical – his fame had already travelled far and wide to make him the second in command.

Eventually he finds his brothers, who had betrayed him earlier, groveling at his feet but they are unable to recognize him as Joseph. However, after testing his brothers’ integrity he reveals himself to them and finally there is reconciliation among the Sons of Israel.

The Biblical tale from the Old Testament was set in a variety of musical styles, including calypso, pop, rock ‘n’ roll and country-western among others in an engaging, entertaining and witty way.

About Rainbow Stage Theatre

The Rainbow Stage Theatre was constructed in 1952 with funds from the Park Reserve Fund, the Junior Chamber of Commerce and compensation for the loss of the original bandstand from the Provincial Flood Fund. The theatre was built with the aim to promote and contribute towards the dramatic, musical and artistic standards of Winnipeg and the district.

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Residents and businesses in Manitoba joined in for the 100th Anniversary celebrations of the St. Andrews Lock and Dam this August on the 20th, 21st and 22nd. The weekend celebration featured a variety of fun and entertainment activities for the entire family.

Many residents from Lockport, St. Andrews and St. Clements, Manitoba, visited the Lock and Dam to watch a variety of local performances, tour the heritage village and the opening ceremonies will include a live reenactment of the opening of the Lock and Dam in 1910.

The weekend program included performances by artists and bands like LaneTurner, Fred Penner, Al Simmons, Sierra Noble, Aboriginal Hoop Dancers, The Foster Martin Band, Bull Rush, Ukrainian Dancers and Anders the magician. Among local musical performers the line up includes Lizzy Burt, Danielle Rooney, Sanisha Taylor, The Cheap Escape and more.

In between the shows visitors toured the Heritage Village and learned more about the history of Lockport, St. Andrews and St. Clements. The village also housed farmers and crafters markets where children were able to enjoy face painting and pony and train rides. In addition on Aug 22, Sunday, runners participated while friends and family watched the first ever 3 bridges sanctioned marathon held in conjunction with the Running Room.

According to Event Coordinator, Tracey, “the centennial celebration was a big bash with a variety of entertainment and activities, including a free play area for kids.” The highlights of the Anniversary celebrations were live performances by Chantal Kreviazuk on Saturday night and George Canyon on Sunday.

Please feel free to post your comments, feedback and reviews about the anniversary celebrations. Did you enjoy the Party? Let us know here, or post your pictures/videos, people would love to see them!

Venue: Notre Dame Recreational Centre, 271 ave de la Cathedrale, Winnipeg, MB

The pavilion will offer you a chance to watch the colorful costumes, foot tapping rhythms and synergy of Colombian dancers accompanied by bagpipes, timbales and other traditional instruments. You can satisfy your appetite for great food with beef empanadas, homemade chicken, sausages and seasoned pork skewers. Also on the offering will be some popular Colombian liquor, such as Rum Medellin, Antioqueño and Aguardiente. The pavilion is sponsored by the Colombian Association of Manitoba Inc.

Venue: Heather Curling Club, 120 Youville Street, Winnipeg, MB

Sponsored by the India Association of Manitoba Inc, the pavilion will feature a range of cultural entertainment and a delectable selection of Indian cuisine. The show will feature contemporary Bollywood performances, regional folk dances and Indian classical dances. A buffet hosted for the occasion will serve a menu of naan bread, samosas, butter and other Indian specialties. Visitors can was down all the spicy food with Old Monk Rum or Kingfisher and Cheetah beers. You can also get your hands painted by a henna artist or you may choose to learn how to wear a sari, a tradition dress worn by women in India.

Venue: Le Club Belge/Branch #107, 407 Provencher Blvd, Winnipeg, MB

Belgium is located in northwestern Europe and is the founding member of the European Union. The country has a population of just over 10 million and its people mainly speak Dutch and French – a small portion of the population also speak German.

Historians believe that the first group of Belgians settled in St. Alphonse, Manitoba in the spring of 1888 – individual immigrants might have arrived earlier – but as a group they arrived in that year. As more Belgians immigrated to Manitoba, the district north of St. Alphonse that was known as St. Alphonse North came to be known as the Bruxelles district, as well as a village in the district was named Brussels, which is the capital of Belgium.

The Belgium Pavilion at the Folkorama Festival 2010 was sponsored by Le Club Belge Inc. Branch # 107. The club celebrated its centennial anniversary in 2005 and its aim to promote and preserve the country’s social and cultural heritage in Manitoba. Today the Belgium Club is a active community that provides a home for the Belgian people of Manitoba.

The pavilion helped visitors to learn about Belgium through its various sports like bowling and pole archery, as well as through its famous personalities. Visitors were entertained by local dancers and treated with some good beer stew that was made with Belgian ale and highly regarded Belgian waffles and chocolates. One could also quench their thirst or stimulate their senses with a select range of imported Belgian beers.

Did you and your family enjoy the Folkorama Fest? Where you at the Belgian Pavilion? Share your comments or post a review, we would love to hear from you.

Venue: Canad Inns Garden City, 2100 McPhillips Street, Winnipeg, MB

Romania was an isolated country until 1989; it was closed for more than 40 years from the outside world behind the Iron Curtain by a tough communist regime. The country has a population of approximately 20 million and is comprised largely of Romanians, Hungarians, Germans, Turks, Serbs and other minorities.

The Romanian Pavilion was sponsored by The Romanian Society of Manitoba Inc. According to 2006 census by Statistics Canada, there are approximately 915 Romania-born residents in the province of Manitoba.

The pavilion featured performances depicting Romanian culture by a visiting professional dance group from Romania. Culinary delights included a variety of traditional appetizers, entrées, desserts and beverages. The menu featured some old favorites like the famous Chicken Dracula and a new addition included mici or meat rolls served with bun and mustard. Apart from the Feteasca alba (white wine) and Feteasca Neagra (Red wine), the pavilion also offered beers, spirits, soft drinks and coffee.

Do you know that Romania is the land of the Dracula legend? The legend has been popular since the novel Count Dracula was published in 1897. Its author, Bram Stoker, provided a perfect setting for the castle where Count Dracula lived – in the Carpathian Mountains on the borders of Bukovina, Moldavia and Transylvania in Romania. Since then Dracula has contributed to many literary pieces, television shows and films based on the legend.

Did you visit the Romanian Pavilion? Please post your comments and reviews about the festival, pavilion or Romania here.

Venue: Centre culturel franco-manitobain, 340 Provencher Blvd, Winnipeg, MB

Sponsored by Centre culturel franco-manitobain inc the pavilion showcased French-Canadian music, culture and dance. Visitors were treated in true Canadian style with maple coffee, Quebec beer or a glass of caribou. Mouth watering dishes like creton (pork spread), tourtière (meat pie) and sugar pie were also served. One could purchase some exquisite jewelry handcrafted by artisans and explore various traditional crafts at the pavilion.

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Venue: St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 580 Talbot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB

As one of Europe’s most culturally diverse region, Serbia is uniquely positioned to be influenced by both eastern and western cultures. The “Beograd” offered visitors an opportunity to learn more about Serbian culture through a variety of songs, dances and delicious food. The Serbian menu included baked stuffed peppers, sarma (cabbage rolls), sheesh kabobs, barbecue pork, cevape and assorted pastries. For beer lovers the pavilion had a free flow of Niksic and Nektar brand beers this year. Visitors could also try out the sljiovica (plum brandy) before starting their meal. The pavilion was sponsored by St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church Inc.

Did you enjoy the “Beograd”? We are sure you did. Share your thoughts and opinions with us.

Venue: Asper Jewish Community Campus, 123 Doncaster Street, Winnipeg, MB

The pavilion will offer you a chance to discover the history, culture and traditions of Israel. You will be able to watch the renowned Chai Folk Ensemble providing a glimpse of Israeli folklore and culture through songs, dances and a variety of music. The menu will include some falafel (chick pea balls) dipped in delicious hummus, as well as imported wine and desserts. The pavilion is sponsored by Rady Jewish Community Centre Inc.