Today I am going a little off script to bring you pictures of a Multicultural event in our small town. Simple as that! A whole bunch of people who look different, come from many different places, just gathering and sharing the town square in a celebration of community.
The weather certainly cooperated as it was warm and sunny with a little cloudy relief. Nice to see the trees growing in town square and providing shade for the people languishing under the towers of city hall.
A nice lady from Cuba set up a tent with crafts and education about far away countries for the children to learn and have fun.
This is Geza who quarterbacked this whole event including all the arrangements with city hall and all of the volunteers. He calls on a church leader to provide a rather neutral but nice religious greeting for all, no matter their religion or lack thereof.
People of every walk of life were invited and many came out to hang out with people they wouldn't normally. Immigrants, multigenerational citizens, families and townies of all sorts. Very little agenda except music, food and togetherness.
Speaking with some happy people, it was brought up what a gift this was. There are plenty of places in the world, some where these folks originated from, where a gathering like this would never happen without armed guards, logistical challenges, or community support.
So great to see the square used by people of so many ethnic backgrounds simply to celebrate the outdoors with each other.
The Ekhaya World Band provided some of the musical entertainment. Beautiful reggae and island beats for the people in the summer time.
I snuck behind the band for a shot of the music in motion. Makes me happy to see all the people enjoying themselves with the backdrop of classic century buildings.
I did mention food! Chef Carlos has the bbq all set up and is pumping out all sorts of burgers and food inspired by different places in the world. All for free or donation.
I look at this shot, knowing all the buildings and the people who live and do business in them. I wonder what it looks like to people around the world. Seem strange? Normal? Remind them of somewhere else?
All in all, it was a glorious day with perfect weather, great music, people from everywhere enjoying life in this small Canadian town together. There is no room for ignorance and racism when we gather as one people and celebrate together.
So great to see this, and if only life could be like this all over the world!
Oh make no mistake, there are rednecks and racists aplenty here. Even ones who are ignorant to their affliction which I suppose is part of the problem.
We have it pretty special in these parts though and I am hoping we can erase obsolete racism by getting together and being happy.
Same here my friend, and at Papillon we help needy people of all races. Some outsiders don't like it, but it doesn't bother us, as we just do our own thing.
Glad that you guys are also trying to accept all, and if the world was like there would be love and peace everywhere.
And that is when, everyone will enjoy - we should remember that after all we are all human beings.
I am a bit embarrassed for North Americans who have not travelled enough and haven’t discovered wonderful people and communities across the globe. It is then you realize first hand we are all people and can help each other. Events like this reinforce it!
Yes, travel teaches us a lot..
That's a lovely initiative. I hope people had some fun and bonded with each other.
They did. I support the multiculturalism association in town online to promote their inclusive events and mission. Unbelievable how volunteering is good for your soul!
It sure is!
It's great! The celebration seems to be amazing and every seems to be cool. The atmosphere and all the surrounding environment is just serene, living this way is just a pleasure! Especially my eyes are just wondering on the sky which is just behind in the photographs, it's just blue and so fascinating. Seems to be like dream! Have a good day!!
Yes those were some of my favourite pics in this reel. Partly for the aesthetic and how nice the weather was for the people. The other part knowing that we all look upon the same sky and sun which binds us all together.
Si, tenemos eventos como la swmana de la cultura Iberoamericana y las Romerìas de Mayo, la primera pondera a las relaciones con los paises de esta regiòn, la segunda es un Crisol de manifestaciones artistica traidas por jòvenes de todo el mundo
¡Genial! Creo que la segunda parte, con las contribuciones de jóvenes y mayores de todo el mundo, es lo que define esta celebración. La música, la gastronomía, la perspectiva y la sabiduría internacionales que se comparten en la comunidad sin duda crean excelentes conexiones.
Wonderful! I think it is the second part with the contributions from young and old from around the world that is what this celebration is about. International music, food, perspective and wisdom shared among the community sure makes for some great connections.
This is exactly the kind of event every community needs. So cool to see people coming together to celebrate diversity and just enjoy each other’s company. More towns should follow this example
It takes a special person to lead this and mobilize the people. Geza is just that and I support these events so happily.
It truly is epic