How do you tackle the large land masses that stretch hundreds of miles from the U.S. border in the south to pristine and wild areas of the Canadian north? In small portions, right? When it comes to the Manitoba, here are five bites that the province offers to travelers feeling festival-y:
1. Festival du Voyageur (February) Western Canada’s largest winter party celebrates the history and spirit of Winnipeg’s fur-trading roots. During the 10-day event, visitors can savor authentic French-Canadian cuisine, enjoy music acts and watch costumed interpreters bring the recreated Fort Gibraltar to life.
2. Manito Ahbee Festival (May) This festival shines as one of North America’s largest powwows. Groups become immersed in indigenous arts and culture at the marketplace, and they can watch square dance and jigging competitions.
3. Winnipeg Folk Festival (July) Soak up the sounds of top folk, indie and world artists under the sunny prairie blue skies, surrounded by music lovers and positive vibes, and you’ve got Folk Fest, held just outside Winnipeg in Birds Hill Provincial Park.
4. Winnipeg Fringe Festival (July) A culture-vulture tour group’s dream, this independent theater festival takes over Winnipeg with quirky, moving performances. A buzzing market, free outdoor stage and vibrant beer garden area create a party atmosphere in the historical Exchange District.
5. Folklorama (August) The world’s largest and longest-running multicultural festival features pavilions representing different countries. At the pavilions, groups can enjoy traditional food, drink and cultural displays, along with dazzling live shows highlighting folk music and dance.
To get details on these festive events, contact Sarah Robinson of Tourism Winnipeg or visit winnipeggroups.com.
Top photo: Manito Ahbee Festival
Photo by Dan Harper
