Welcome back to another edition of Llama Tales!

We are less than 100 days away from the 55th Folklorama Festival and just a few weeks away from ticket launch! We’re also welcoming new board members, celebrating our partners, announcing an exciting workshop series, and so much more.

Don’t miss a beat -- keep reading to learn more. (PS – if you haven’t checked out our new website yet, be sure to do so!)

The 2026 Folklorama Festival Pavilion lineup is here!

Folklorama is excited to feature 45 Pavilions during its milestone 55^th Festival. You can experience some returning favourites, new and exciting VIP tours, and so much more.

Tickets go on sale June 8^th!

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Introducing Folklorama’s newest member

Folklorama is happy to welcome a new Sustaining Individual Member, Dr. Sellakumar Palanisamy!

Dr. Sellakumar Palanisamy, a medical physicist, though most friends and family simply call him Sella, is someone who loves blending curiosity, problem-solving, and care in everything he does.

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Member Events

Magdaragat Philippines Inc. 50th Anniversary poster

Magdaragat Philippines Inc. presents 50 YEARS OF MAGIC

Magdaragat Philippines Inc. are celebrating their 50^th anniversary! This special event will feature an evening of dinner, performances, and community celebration. Guests will enjoy a buffet dinner accompanied by a special performance program highlighting Magdaragat’s history.

The event is open not only to current and past members but also to supporters and community members who have helped Magdaragat grow over the years.

May 16, 2026 | 6:00 pm

Petrus Hall

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Golden Owl Sports & Recreation Club Inc.: Sri Lankan New Year Games 2026

Join the Golden Owl Sports & Recreation Club for their annual Sri Lankan New Year Games!

Come celebrate the Sri Lankan New Year with traditional Awurudu games, exciting competitions, and a vibrant festive atmosphere. Bring your friends and family along for a day filled with fun, laughter, and cultural celebrations.

May 30, 2026 | 10:00 am

Crescent Park Grounds

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Hebrew Songs of Hope: Chai Folk Ensemble

Join Chai Folk Ensemble for an unforgettable afternoon of music and meaning in Al Kol Eleh, Hebrew Songs of Hope.

Celebrate the timeless music of Naomi Shemer, brought to life by Chai members, alumni, and young performers from the community.

May 31, 2026 | 2:00 pm

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Folklorama confirms 2026-27 Board of Directors

Folklorama is pleased to announce its 2026–27 Board of Directors following the Annual General Meeting held on March 26, 2026.

Please welcome our five new board members - Nick Apostolopoulos, Gary Senft, Debra Takeuchi, Natarajan Thiagarajan, and Ellen Thompson, alongside returning members Irene Costa, Peirce Dickson, Debbie Hirsch, Calvin Loi, Sara Sambanthan, Kerry Sampson, Sheryl Vasquez, and Kim Ly (Immediate Past President)!

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Asian/South Asian Heritage Month | Jewish Heritage Month | Polish Heritage Month

May is Asian & South Asian Heritage Month, Jewish Heritage Month and Polish Heritage Month. Folklorama is celebrating by honouring and sharing the histories and stories of these ethno-cultural communities and the contributions they have made.

You can celebrate heritage months by learning more about ethno-cultural groups, attending community-led events, supporting local businesses and artists, and taking time to listen to and uplift diverse voices!

Vesak

Vesak is one of the most sacred days in Buddhism, honoring the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha. Vesak is one of the most sacred days in Buddhism, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha. Observed on the first full moon in May, it’s a time for reflection, compassion, and community.

This year, Vesak fell on May 1.

Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Adha, one of the most significant celebrations in Islam, takes place on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah in the Islamic lunar calendar.

The day often begins with special communal prayers at mosques, followed by time spent with family and friends. Those celebrating Eid al-Adha gather to pray, share meals, and give to those in need.

This year, Eid al-Adha falls on May 26.

Partner Spotlight

Proforma Pure Promotions

If you’ve ever attended Folklorama and asked a volunteer in a branded Festival t-shirt for help, or won a giveaway during a VIP tour, those items were almost certainly provided by Proforma Pure Promotions.

Proforma has proudly partnered with Folklorama for several years, supplying branded uniform pieces worn by volunteers across the Festival, along with giveaway items and gifts for Folklorama attendees and Pavilion Ambassadors.

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Folklorama 365

Upcoming Events

Roll with it: Sushi Making Series #1

Join our sushi making workshop series – an interactive culinary experience where you’ll learn the techniques of rolling, from a classic maki to a featured specialty roll that is different in each class.

June 3, 2026 | 6:00 pm

Pineridge Hollow

Roll with it: Sushi Making Series #2

June 16, 2026 | 6:00 pm

Pineridge Hollow

Roll with it: Sushi Making Series #3

July 16, 2026 | 6:00 pm

Pineridge Hollow

Member Opportunities

Manitoba Arts Council: Support - Community Impact Grant

Attention Folklorama members! You may be eligible for up to $15,000 in funding through the Manitoba Arts Council’s Support – Community Impact grant program. This is an annual grant that supports community arts/cultural organizations in delivering impactful programming.

Applications are open until May 15, 2026.

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Folklorama acknowledges that we create, connect, and celebrate on Treaty 1 territory. We honour the unceded lands and waters of the Anishinaabe (Ojibway), Ininew (Cree), and Dakota peoples, in the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. We recognize and honour that our drinking water comes from Shoal Lake 40 First Nation on Treaty 3 Territory.

We are committed to building relationships and sharing knowledge, and cultural understanding of all communities. Understanding our diversity fosters pride and mutual respect.

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