THUNDER BAY - Lucian Sousa sees each Folklore Festival as an opportunity to preserve and display his Portuguese heritage.
While the trainer for the Portuguese Junior Folklore Group doesn’t take the stage, he takes pride in seeing the 18 children perform each year.
“They did a good job. They always do. If they’re not tired at the end they aren’t doing it right,” said a laughing Sousa.
The Portuguese Folklore Group has performed in each year since 1974. In its 46th edition, they were first to take stage.
“It’s usually always fast-paced. I like to keep them moving.”
The act was just one of several, representing over 20 regions from around the world including tai chi from China, traditional Ukrainian dance, ceili music from Ireland, and many others.
The festival, which is held at Fort William gardens Saturday and Sunday. is slated with over 13 hours of entertainment, and features food from around the world. It celebrates the multiculturalism that defines Thunder Bay.
“The Ukrainian community is quite large in Thunder Bay,” said Christine Johnson of the Zorya Ukrainian Dance Association. “It’s very important we promote it as well as other people do.”
“It’s high energy. We have a lot of people on stage. Beautiful colours, and the culture comes out on stage with each performance.”
The entertainment runs from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.
“Thunder Bay has had its challenges but we are truly a multicultural community,” said organizer Jeanetty Jumah who has been a volunteer at the festival for more than 25 years. “All that is positive about our community and our nation is here at Folklore Festival.”
The festival runs until 11 p.m. on Saturday, and 7 p.m. on Sunday. Admission into the event is five dollars.
For those coming to the festival strictly for nourishment the full list of the food vendors include: Petra mediterranean cuisine, Slovak Legion, Club Cappuccino, Masala Grille, The Filipino Canadian Association, The Bannock Lady, Island Spice Jerk, Thai Kitchen, Damascus Donair, Rocky Mtn. Chocolate, Menchies, Pop’s Kettle Corn, A taste of Greece, The DaVinci Centre, The Portuguese Association, and Tandoor.
