The Pembroke Waterfront Park and Riverwalk Amphitheatre was packed with vendors, food vendors and the community. Everyone came together to celebrate culture, embrace diversity, and honour traditions. Starting off on July 19 from 4-8 p.m. and July 20 from 12-8 p.m. the park was filled with activities and entertainment, including food and craft vendors, musicians, performers, workshops, and so much more!
Karthi Rajamani the CEO of the Pembroke Public Library was so thrilled to see how well this years festival turned out. She is already excited for next years festival as it will be the 10th annual festival making it a grand milestone for Karthi.
Tonka and Monica ran the Latino Connection in the Ottawa Valley booth which displayed their culture’s games, clothing, flags and much more. They were representing Peru, Chile, Columbia, Salvador, Mexico and more as they took the stage to preform many dances from different areas
within the Latino culture. Tonka was interacting with the crowd by getting everyone to play a game that is very popular in Chile which is called El Emboque. The name “emboque” derives from the Spanish verb “embocar,” meaning “to put into the mouth.” This toy features a wooden, bell-shaped piece with a hole in its bottom, connected by a string to a wooden stick. The goal is to flip the bell from its hanging position and land it onto the end of the stick.
Monica told myFM news that it is more important to connect to the non-Latino community at these events so everyone can learn new cultures and become a larger community.
There were over 20 booths recognizing different cultures and representing the diverse community there is in the Ottawa Valley. Councilor Ian Kuehl was at one of the booths and was so thrilled to see this years turnout.
The Pembroke Public Library along with the City of Pembroke would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to the generous sponsors for their support of the 2024 Multicultural Festival. If you missed out this year make sure to mark it on your calendar for next year!
(Written by: Emma Butler)