Afrobeats, tourtières and even a fashion show of Vietnamese costumes will be happening in Saskatoon for the next three days.
Two new pavilions will be added to Folkfest this year as it celebrates its 45th year.
The multicultural festival returns on Thursday, celebrating the city’s diversity through music, food, activities and performances.
Throughout the city, 14 pavilions from around the globe will be featured including the introduction of the Nigerian and Latino pavilions at Prairieland Park.
According to the Folkfest website, traditional music and dances from the “Giant of Africa” will be featured. Nigerian staples such as jollof rice, vegetable soups, and healthy, refreshing drinks will also be available for visitors to try.
Olubunmi Otuyelu explained the dishes they are serving up to people can be found at Nigerian parties amongst others.
“So, today I am doing local rice, which is usually called Ofada rice and ayamase sauce,” said Otuyelu, who owns 3 J’s Kitchen.
“My favourite dish is the local rice, the rice, I love it, yes,” said Otuyelu.
Prairieland Park will also feature the new Latino pavilion representing 17 countries from Mexico to Argentina. According to the Folkfest website, more than 6,000 individuals with Latin American backgrounds call Saskatoon home.
Kiela Caudillo, who is with the Latino Pavillion said their area has “games, we have some activities for people to learn a little bit of the Spanish language.”
“This is a great opportunity to show that we are here, and we have something to offer to society,” said Caudillo.
She also mentioned they will have a dancing workshop.
“We will have people dancing here and you’re going to learn a few basic steps,” said Caudillo.
She explained they have drinks ranging from Mojitos to Piña Colada and their Latino-inspired food is mostly Mexican.
Aside from Prairieland, the Francophone pavilion can be found at École Canadienne-Française, the Indian and Métis pavilion at the Saskatoon Indian and Métis Friendship Centre, and the German pavilion at the Nutana Legion.
This year the German pavilion will also welcome performances from different cultures such as Ukrainian Karpaty, Irish & Scottish.
Earlier this year, two major pavilions, Ukrainian Karpaty and Scottish pulled out of the summer festival, which were a prominent part of the celebration for decades. Declining attendance, rising costs, and a struggle to find volunteers were some of the reasons behind those decisions.
Saskatoon Folkfest runs from 5 p.m. to midnight Thursday and Friday, and 3 p.m. to midnight Saturday.
Details and locations of all the pavilions can be found on the festival’s website.