Bienvenue! With Folklorama being based in Winnipeg, of course we would have our French Canadian roots to share with locals, new immigrants, and tourists alike.
Pavillon canadien-français
Venue: centre culturel franco-manitobain (340 Provencher Blvd.)
Dates: Sun. Aug. 13th to Sat. Aug. 19th
** For a complete, updated listing of pavilions I have visited so far, please click here.
Cultural Display
There was a trio playing with their fiddles and spoons (classic French Canadian kitchen party) and harmonizing together in French. You can talk to the knowledgeable gentlemen-in-uniform at Fort La Verendrye about the fur trade, or get your voyageur-esque photo taken at the photo booth. Learn how to weave beautiful and colourful belts, or dance away to the entertainment between shows.
Food
One of my favourite dishes here to recommend is the bison meatballs – super flavourful. My sweet tooth was definitely happy with their delectable sugar pie.
Entertainment
This pavilion is known for including theatrics into their show. This year’s performers, L’Ensemble folklorique de la Rivière-Rouge consisted of a live band, singers and dancers. Sing along to the catchy French songs – they even throw the lyrics onto the projector to follow along! Two of their dancers also doubled up as the MCs with a bilingual script that was entertaining in both languages.
Above and Beyond
The amount of volunteers at this pavilion is impressive and ranging from so many different backgrounds. There are some teaching you to do finger-weaving, some entertaining between shows, some sharing their favourite recipe for sugar pie, and some taking care of the photo booth and props. Love seeing the community get together to share and celebrate the arts and culture!
Merci beaucoup a pavillon canadien-français!
** For a complete, updated listing of pavilions I have visited so far, please click here.
xoxo,
Judianne