It’s one of the largest celebrations of culture Edmonton has ever seen.
Over 80 different countries are on display at Hawrelak Park this August long weekend for the 2016 edition of the Servus Heritage Festival.
“This is about sharing your culture with the world and Edmonton,” Organizer Jim Gibbon said.
New this year is a pavilion set up by the Mennonite Centre for Newcomers featuring: Mali, Togo, Barbados, Burundi and Syria.
“We wanted to show the people the beautiful side of Syria,” Basel Basel Abou Hamrah said. Abou Hamrah is a Syrian refuge whose family is helping run the pavilion.
He’s been in Canada just a short six months and was excited to take part in Edmonton’s annual cultural showcase.
This year, the festival opened with all pavilion volunteers pausing to sing Canada’s national anthem in their native language.
Puerto Rico, Liberia, Uganda, Tanzania, Spain, Somalia, Mexico and also new or returning to the festival this year.
“I think it’s fantastic to have more variety, there are so many choices, so much food to try,” Neelam Mabood said. Mabood is taking in the festival with her family and loves the message it sends about Canada. “I think it’s very generous and that’s the message Canada gives – to embrace all cultures, ethnicity. I’m so proud to be a Canadian.”
There are 67 different pavilions to enjoy this year. Those planning to take in the event are reminded to use Edmonton transit as there is no on-site parking.
Edmontonians are also being reminded to bring a non-perishable food item. The event is the largest ‘foodraiser’ for Edmonton’s Food Bank.
Last year over 85,000 kilograms of food was collected with over 3-million pounds donated to date.
The event wraps up Monday at 7 p.m.
with files from Sarah Kraus
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