The Scandinavian Society of Nova Scotia

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The Multicultural Festival "Celebration" is a major event incorporating dozens of local cultural groups including the Scandinavian Society of Nova Scotia. Every year in June, over 20,000 visitors come to enjoy a three-day festival of ethnic food, costume and cultural events. It takes place on the Dartmouth waterfront and a magnificent backdrop is created through an array of colourful tents, sights and sounds. One can stroll among the carnival tents and become immersed in the aromas of the diverse cultural cuisine. Colours abound as participants in the festival, some of whom are dressed in ethnic costumes, and spectators, young and old, leisurely walk about and take in the atmosphere.

The food tent is vast and houses numerous exotic food booths, all individually created to represent their native origins. A wide variety of cultures can be found including African, Portuguese, German, Scandinavian, Jamaican, Scottish and Filipino, just to name a few. Every year there is a different blend of nationalities, all uniting to bring the very best of their cuisine to others. A real sense of pride is evident, not only due to the hard work behind the scenes, but also in sharing favorite dishes with the community, often a first taste for many.

A performance tent is centrally set up and this accommodates a huge stage for live performances of ethnic dance, song, music and fashion. Always a popular part of the festival, performances run continuously all day and into the evening. Flashes of colour assail your eyes as exotic music fills your ears.

Another tent, or sometimes two, is set up to display beloved items from native countries or to sell hand made creations. The vendors here are eager to share stories of their homeland and are pleased to touch base with others seeking their roots. The cultural tent is very much like an ethnic bazaar with streams of exotic music, bartering, and laughter filling the air. A children's tent is also very popular and it is full of fun things for children such as face painting, story telling, crafts and so much more. A live puppet theater captivates audiences, whatever their generation.

When evening starts to fall, one can slip into the beer tent and listen to local music which is so rich and plentiful in Nova Scotia. Sometimes big names in music will make an appearance, drawing in crowds and adding to the festive air. Or, if you prefer, you can sit on a bench along the waterfront, away from the crowds but still a part of this very magical experience.

There is a minimal charge to enter with weekend passes available. For more information, please see the official website for the Nova Scotia Multicultural Festival.