People of Swedish descent celebrated their culture and the sheer joy of spreading good cheer last week in Gimli during Islendingadagurinn or the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba.
This is the festival’s 135th year of celebrating Icelandic culture.
Swedish Cultural Association of Manitoba president Sonja Lundstrom said the Scandinavian Cultural Centre of Winnipeg’s Dala horse was front and centre of their Sweden-themed float, which was pulled by a Volvo, a Swedish vehicle.
Express Photos by Jeffrey Olsson
“Gustaf, the Dala horse from Sweden and driven by a spanking new Volvo, was let loose to bring joy and cheer to the streets of Gimli as the Scandinavian Cultural Centre came to share their spirt of having fun,” said Lundstrom. “The very young folks ran along the side [of the float] greeting everyone, and the Vikings championed the theme of this year’s Folklorama. Those in costumes of their Nordic country waved their flags with the young folks dancing as they went. Islendingadagurinn brought fun for everyone.”
Dala horses (or Dalahast) are a cultural symbol of Sweden. Swedish lore has it that wood carvings of the horse were first made in the Dalarna region of the country. The horse was an integral part of country and urban life, helping farms operate and transport people. The Dala horse symbolizes characteristics such as faithfulness, strength and wisdom.
The float got the attention of parade organizers, not to mention the public; the Dala horse float was named “Best Club/Organization” parade entry, said Lundstrom.
The Swedish Cultural Association Manitoba provides a variety of activities that includes Bocci on Mondays (1:30 p.m.) at Kildonan Park (on Main Street in West Kildonan), Sunday brunches, Nordic stitching, special guest speakers and field trips. It will be holding a Crayfish Party on Aug. 29. The association also participated at Winnipeg’s Folklorama last week.
For more information about events, visit www.scandinaviancentre.ca or email svenskclub17@gmail.com
