Folklorama organizers launch new Cultural Preservation Fund

“You keep kids engaged by dancing and being onstage and being part of the festival… and then they have their marquee, their show, and they’re so proud to say they’re part of Folklorama, and this fund will just help a lot of those kids continue classes, and to help a lot of our organizations, who are struggling.”Winnipeggers can also enjoy Folklorama virtually for weeks to come — with customized food and shows brought to your doorstep.

Folklorama at Home means Winnipeggers can celebrate multiculturalism from the comfort of their own homes, schools, workplaces and beyond.The organization’s executive director, Teresa Controneo, told 680 CJOB earlier this summer that amid the disappointment of the 50-year-old festival being cancelled due to the pandemic, the idea for a virtual Folklorama meant people could still enjoy most of what makes the event so popular — just from the comfort of their own home.“You can actually take all the elements you really enjoy from the festival — the food, the entertainment — and we actually package them up and bring them to your door,” Cotroneo said.“You pick the theme, the culture that you’re interested in having, and we put it together — based on any budget — and you can have a Folklorama celebration in your backyard or your driveway.”