Mark your calendars for Aug. 24, 2024, as Town Centre Park transforms into a vibrant hub of cultural celebration with the World of Love Multicultural Carnival.
The family-friendly event in Coquitlam aims to celebrate the rich diversity of global cultures hailing from across the Tri-Cities and beyond.
Interactive showcases and experiences
The World of Love Multicultural Carnival offers an array of interactive and educational activities for all ages.
Visitors can immerse themselves in various cultural traditions through hands-on experiences such as sugar painting, paper cutting, incense art and the traditional Chinese tea ceremony. The festival also features Chinese calligraphy and painting exhibitions where artists will create and display their art live, allowing attendees to appreciate the beauty and history behind these crafts.
One of the festival's standout features is the heritage lantern show, showcasing the intricate Qinhuai River style lanterns from ancient Nanjing.
"Lanterns are a glorious part of Nanjing's heritage, handmade by craftsmen for generations. These lanterns, in various animal shapes, are sure to captivate both children and adults,” Joanna Wu, chairwoman of the North American Chinese Culture Promotion Society, says.
There will also be a team of licensed traditional Chinese medicine practitioners to provide festival guests with free consultations on-site.
Cultural performances and culinary delights
The carnival will host over 250 performers, including singers, dancers and musicians from diverse ethnic backgrounds, with each act taking turns to mesmerize the audience on stage.
"Attendees will experience a variety of artistic performances representing various ethnic cultures," Wu says.
Performances will feature artists from African, Argentine, Brazilian, Chinese, Indian, Indonesian, Iranian, Italian, Korean, Mexican, Nepali and Scottish communities, ensuring a truly global showcase.
Food enthusiasts will delight in the market and food truck area, offering a wide range of international cuisines. The live noodle demonstrations, showcasing the art of noodle making, are expected to be a crowd favourite, providing a delicious and educational experience for all.
Promoting multiculturalism
The World of Love Multicultural Carnival will not only provide entertainment, but also serve as a vital platform for cultural exchange and understanding.
"People from various ethnic backgrounds will demonstrate a strong community cohesion and active multicultural integration by participating in this event," Wu says.
By showcasing the traditions, arts, and cuisines of different cultures, the event encourages attendees to appreciate and respect the diverse backgrounds that make up the local community. This celebration of multiculturalism helps to build bridges between different ethnic groups, fostering a sense of unity and shared humanity.
A day full of fun and learning
With plenty of parking and easy access via SkyTrain, the World of Love Multicultural Carnival is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for everyone. The event kicks off at 10:00 a.m. and runs until 8:00 p.m., featuring a variety of activities, performances and exhibitions throughout the day. The official opening ceremony is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to celebrate and explore the world's cultures in one place. Whether you are a local resident of the Tri-Cities or are planning on visiting from another part of Metro Vancouver, the World of Love Multicultural Carnival offers something for everyone. From educational workshops and artistic displays to vibrant performances and mouth-watering food, this event promises to be a memorable experience for all.
For more information, visit www.worldoflovecarnival.com
