Right now in the 'Peg, it's Folklorama time! For those unfamiliar with Folklorama, it's a yearly event here in Winnipeg, featuring 40 plus cultural pavilions. There are local, national and international performers at each pavilion, as well as food and drink from all different cultures to try. Most people purchase a "passport" at the beginning of Folklorama, and visit all of the different countries. I must say, you are pretty full after a Folklorama evening! I've also been known to do a little to much Oommpappa'ing through the event! Shhhhh......A friend from Edmonton, Alberta will be in next week, and a few of us girls are going to paint Folklorama red next week. Some of the best pavilions I've visited in the past are the Carribean Pavilion, the German Pavilion, the Greek Pavilion and the Scottish and Irish Pavilion. Here are 13 of the Pavilions I hope to visit, and a description of each:


1. Carribean Pavilion-Come sail with us through the islands of the Caribbean. While you sway to the rhythm of the steel pan drums, watch the magic of Lolita, limbo dancer from Barbados, as she moves to
the hot sounds of the calypso beats. Sip rum punch, piña cola or our finest beers and tantalize your taste buds with our rotis, fish cakes, jerk chicken, flying fish from Barbados, or our curried chicken or beef. For those who prefer a milder drink, you can enjoy a ginger beer, mauby or sorrel. And cool down with a refreshing ice cream.

2. Brasilian Pavilion-Celebrate the regeneration of Brasil at their first ever pavilion. Expect to be awed by captivating performances of capoeira and samba dance from local groups and guest artists from Toronto, Montreal and San Francisco. You will be amazed by the grace and intricacy of capoeira, an art form that brings together dance, music, acrobatics, and martial arts. Try Guarana soda for the first time, or refresh yourself with imported Brahma beer. Don’t miss out on a dessert of brigadeiros.

3. German Pavilion-Learn how to yodel German-style, taste some schnapps, and polka along with the dancers to the melodies of the German Society Brass Band and Choir. Enjoy a hearty meal of rouladen, spätzle, sauerkraut and schnitzel. Wash it all down with any of our German imported beers: Warsteiner, Holsten or Dab! No need to leave early. Stop in at the Oktoberfest beer tent to enjoy our live band. And if you have the munchies, then have a bratwurst, pretzel, or try one of our wonderful tortes (cakes).

4. Greek Pavilion-Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Greek culture and enjoy the energetic performance of the Kefi Dancers. Savour a traditional meal of souvlaki, mousaka, gyros and spanakopita and remember to save room for some sweet and tasty baklava. And nothing will have you saying “Opa!” faster than a shot of our smooth Ouzo. Try some of our imported beers, red and white wines or take sip of our traditional punch called Zorba’s Kiss!

5. India Pavilion-Come experience the rich culture, exhilarating dances and warm hospitality of the India Pavilion. A trip to the India Pavilion would not be complete without sampling some of their scrumptious food. Try the tandoori (barbecued) or curried chicken, chabati, rotis, rice pullau, and samosas. Satisfy your sweet tooth with authentic Indian desserts.

6. Celtic Ireland Pavilion-Once again the Celtic Ireland Pavilion is your ticket to world class entertainment! Visit the magical castle-like setting and be mesmerized by this electrifying light and sound show which features over 60 dancers from the Brady Academy of Irish Dance. Special guest artist from Chicago, Kathleen Keane, will captivate you with her fiery fiddling and soulful singing. Master of Ceremonies, Will Millar of the Irish Rovers fame, returns to delight audiences young and old with his Irish humour and famous Unicorn song. While enjoying the show treat yourself to some Shepherd’s Pie or sausage and chips, and top it off with a glass of Guinness.

7. Chile Lindo Pavilion-Feel the energy of the Chilean culture as the Chile Lindo Dance Group performs traditional dances from all over Chile including the powerful Devil Dance, as well as exotic dances from the beautiful Easter Island. Be sure to sample the many delicious menu items such as beef and cheese empanadas, pastel de choclo (corn pie), and a traditional dessert, torta mil hojas (caramel layers cake). A trip to Chile would not be complete without sampling some imported beverages like Pisco sour, Borgoña (strawberries and red wine) or Ponche (peaches and white wine). Fiesta time - stay with us on Friday and Saturday for our late night parties and move to the Latin rhythms with our live band.

8. Africa Pavilion- Treat your taste buds to a morsel of plantain, spicy samosas or give our featured dinner, an ‘African Plate’ of chicken and rice a try. Satisfy your thirst with a glass of African Punch, or imported Castle or Tusker beers.

9. Pavilion of Scotland-Lively, fun and spirited best describe a night at the Pavilion of Scotland. Your tour of Scotland offers non-stop entertainment featuring Ena Sutton Highland Dancers of Winnipeg, the Flying Haggis Showband, Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders Pipes and Drums, Manitoba Highland Dancers Association, along with many guest artists. Satisfy your appetite by trying one of our delicious meat pies, or scotch eggs. A trip to Scotland would not be complete without sampling of the finest Scotch available at the Scotch Glen.

10. Pearl of the Orient Phillipine Pavilion-Magdaragat celebrates its 30th anniversary this year! From traditional dances with bamboo poles to Filipino hip hop – there is something for everyone to enjoy. Arrive early so you have time to savour tasty dishes like chicken adobo (chicken stew), pansit noodles and scrumptious pork barbeque. Finish your meal off with a unique and yummy tapioca drink called sago at gulaman. Show off your vocal talents at the outdoor karaoke bar while the kids gather to learn the game ‘sungka’ and how to make ‘parol’ (Christmas lanterns).

11. Scandinavian Pavilion-Your journey will take you on a fun-filled tour of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Before the show, head upstairs to the cultural display area where the kids can colour and play with toys while you learn how chain mail is made. Each night the Scandia Fun Folk Dancers and the Scandia Youth Folk Dancers will entertain you through song and dance. While enjoying the show savour some traditional foods: hot roast pork dinner, shrimp sandwiches, and desserts like vinarterta (Icelandic layer cake with fruit filling) and lefse (dessert wraps).

12. Belgian Pavilion-Belgian is the country of beers, and this year our theme is all about beer! With more than a dozen types of Belgian beer to choose from you won’t know where to begin. Whether you are looking for a strong beer like Chimay, a rose beer like Witterkerke, or a sweet cherry beer like Bellevue Kriek, we have a beer for every taste. Hungry? Why not have a bowl of beer stew with your beer. For dessert you could have Fruli, a delicious strawberry beer.

13. Korean Pavilion-The Chang Won University Dancing Troupe, travelling all the way from Korea, will amaze you with their skillful dances and colourful costumes. Local group, Tae Ryong Park will present a fun and educational demonstration of their Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido skills. Take a moment to divulge in the variety of Korean dishes like bulgoki (marinated beef with sesame oil), mandu (dumplings with ground beef and bean sprouts) and japche (noodles with beef, spinach, mushrooms, red peppers.) Finish off your meal with a flavoursome glass of rice wine known as soju.