Another Winnipeg festival falls silent as Folklorama cancels 2020 events

The long list of festivals and events cancelled due toCOVID-19 now includesWinnipeg's beloved Folklorama.

This would have been the annualmulticultural festival's 51st consecutive year.

"It is with a heavy heart that we announce the cancellationdue to measures implemented in the battle against COVID,"a statement from the Folklorama board and operations team stated on Friday.

"After much consultation with our government officials, board of directors, volunteers, and members, we know this is the right decision for all concerned," the statement said.

"Folklorama is a not-for-profit organization and as such this decision was not made lightly, nor without full knowledge of its greater impact on all."

The festival is a significant source of revenue generation for more than40 ethno-cultural communities across the city, the statement said.

Folklorama began in 1970 as a one-time, week-long event to help celebrate Manitoba's centennial and showcase the various cultures in the province.It was so well received that it turned into the annual event it is today, growing from 21 pavilions to 45 and expanding to two weeks.

"For many of us, Folklorama is home; it is tradition and a place of belonging," said Teresa Cotroneo, the festival's executive director.

In 2019, during its50thanniversary celebration, Folklorama saw the largest attendance in over 10 years with 455,000 guest visits.

It was set this year to run from Aug. 2-15 at venues around the city.

"Our event is built on people coming together, not just during two weeks in August, but for many months prior to prepare to welcome festival goers into pavilions with pride," saidStan Hall, president of the Folklorama board of directors.

"There will be a time and place where we can all celebrate together, but following the government of Manitoba guidelines, it cannot be this summer. We look forward to welcoming the world Aug. 1to 14, 2021."

Several other major summer festivals in Manitoba have already announced cancellations, including the Winnipeg Folk Festival, the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival and Dauphin's Countryfest.

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