Globalfest – Calgary’s Favourite Cultural Festival
By Len Chan : Globalfest, Calgary’s favourite cultural festival is a weeklong event with an International flavour. This year, the 10th annual, it took place Aug 20-26 at Elliston Park. Many cultural organizations showcased their culture, arts and food. The highlight of each evening was the Fireworks Competition between China, Brazil, USA and the Philippines. There were 3 entertainment stages. Globalfest is an evening event, which allows the public to enjoy weekday evenings as well as the weekend events. Partly due to the great weather, Globalfest reached an all-time high in attendance.
Participants included: African, Caribbean, Chinese, Brazil, India, Peru, Mexico, Philippines, Scottish and many more. On the first day a Citizenship Court was held where 100 new Canadians were sworn in. The early part of Globalfest included a Human Rights Forum on Aboriginal Issues at the Calgary Public Library. Former Liberal Cabinet Minister Paul Martin was among the speakers.
The food booths at the park were very popular and included offerings from Brazil, the Philippines and various Caribbean booths. In the ideal weather, patrons sat back and enjoyed the stage show, which was opposite the Food Booths.
One of the more popular entertainment groups was the Brazil Samba Dancers who presented Samba Carnival Brazilian style in brilliant costumes.
Awards: The Fireworks Competition trophy was won by the US. Brazil was the people’s choice for Pyromusic for the Fireworks, the Best Food Booth went to Ukraine and best Cultural Booth to the Philippines
