"Multicultural activites in my hometown" Personal Page by Faiza-Ifrah

Many cities of the world have different kinds of festivals. Since Mississauga is very multi-ethnic, it has its Festival of Cultures that is held in the 3rd or 4th weekend of May every year. People from many countries showcase their cultural activities, handicrafts and food. The pavilions are located in different parts of the city and each of them has so many activities going on that one has to be selective in which ones to visit.

My friend Monina had this to say about the dance of Philippines that mesmerized the crowd: "That pic in your Hometown activities page is the Sayaw sa Bangko" from the Philippines! That is one of my mother's specialty skills! My brother used to dance the Tinikling, that bamboo pole dance you talked about".

We had not seen a performance of this nature ever in our life. The performing girls were skipping in between the thumping and rocking bamboos with as much ease as a young girl skips through skipping roap.

A dance performance representing Indian Punjab

India’s pavilion was well attended as usual with lots of shopping kiosks, good Indian food and a performance of dances from its different states. We had some shopping of clothes done here.

A belly dancer who won standing ovation

We had our lunch at the Egyptian pavilion and then watched an enchanting show of belly dancers.

An energetic dance from North Africa

We had our dinner at the International pavilion, after we had shopped some more. A North African ensemble showed some dances from the Arab world that put many people on their feet.

Ryan Khan and Saima Khan are popular local artists

The music show from Pakistan was a well attended event that was followed by a Pakistani fashion show.

The host of the International Pavilion came on stage to pay tribute to Pakistani brother and sister duo who had organized the entire pavilion.

A view of the entrance hall.

We had our dinner at the International pavilion, after we had shopped some. This was one of the most visited pavailions because so many countries were present here.

A flying kick that ends up in neck lock

A group of Karatekas from Vietnam put up a nice demonstration of offensive and defensive techniques of the style of martial arts developed in Vietnam.

The contingent from local clubs

Like every other festival, this one also came to an end. With the entire contingent (see picture) on stage, the host appreciated all the participants and the audience.

All in all, a super-mega-successful event.