The annual Multicultural Festival hosted by MAGMA will showcase all of the cultures that come together to make Canada great

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by Mark Brownlee
This Week Staff

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An extensive program of multicultural events will turn the Moncton, Riverview, and Dieppe region into a hotbed of multicultural activity this week while the Multicultural Association of the Greater Moncton Area (MAGMA) plans to hold its annual Multicultural Festival Rendezvous from June 27 to July 1.

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A Tae Kwon Do demonstration was part of last year's Multiculturalism Festival.

Organizers of this year's festival believe that there will be something for everyone at this year's event.

"The festival program consists of a wide range of cultural and artistic activities which are free and open to the public to celebrate the different cultures of our world," says festival coordinator Nicole Melanson.

For the past 28 years, MAGMA has prided itself on providing programs and services to help with the settlement of newcomers. The Rendezvous Festival, however, is one of the many initiatives undertaken by the community that encourages the participation of the wider community.

"What started as a public awareness initiative on multiculturalism in 2005 has now become a yearly Multicultural Festival," says Nicole. With a variety of events planned over the course of five days, the festival will appeal to newcomers and long-time Canadian residents alike.

Organizers believe the events and activities will allow residents of the Moncton area to gain a greater understanding of the various cultures that make up their community, while simultaneously giving them a chance to celebrate their own native cultures.

"People are encouraged to take part in the festivities to not only celebrate and share their own culture, but also to learn from all of the cultures that compose the community," says Nicole. "The festival provides great opportunities to socialize and network with community members."

Attendees should expect a welcome mix of talent from at home and abroad. MAGMA is encouraging the participation of the 32 Greater Moncton ethno-cutlural associations while welcoming some world class talent to the Moncton region.

While a diverse offering of events are planned, Nicole believes that the Multicultural Rhythms Outdoor Concert, taking place at Sommet Park in Moncton at 7 p.m. on June 28 is a must-see event for festival-goers.

The concert will feature Moncton-area musician Nina Khosla, the Oumou Soumaré group, and Andru Branch and the Halfway Tree.

"Andru Branch has worked with the Wailers and most recently with Ziggy Marley's Rhytm section," says Nicole, adding that he is known as one of the Best Reggae artists in Canada.

The festival remains dedicated to promoting multiculturalism in a variety of ways, particularly through music, dance, food, and sport. Other great events planned for participants include an international market, dance classes, a percussion series, and an international soccer tournament.

MAGMA will also host a number of activities that will educate participants on multiculturalism in their community. Organizers have planned a multiculturalism panel discussion, a diversity in the workplace forum, and a newcomer's day.

The festival is planned to start on Canadian Multiculturalism Day and end on Canada Day, which Nicole says is no coincidence.

"Our theme is 'Celebrate Canada: Celebrate Diversity', which really encompasses both of these important days," she says.