Morden’s Multicultural Winterfest this past Saturday was first and foremost a fun time for participants and spectators alike.
But the annual event also played an important role for those who volunteered at the four pavilions, as well as those who were just taking in the celebrations.
“This is very important. I am happy that people get to know me, and I want to know more about them,” said Claudia De La Cruz, who was representing her homeland of Colombia.
“It’s very good to have the opportunity to get to know people … there are so many different cultures here,” she said. “We are so happy to share our culture. We are growing … and we have an opportunity to interact more and make more connections in the community.”
“I’m blown away. We have so many people here … I’m surprised,” said Yevgeniya Tatarenko, who has now been involved seven times in representing Ukraine at Winterfest. “And we have so many new countries represented here.
“Seeing people actually being so interested in the culture is great,” she said, observing that people were keen to try things out and sample some of the food and snacks.
“Morden has grown so much,” Tatarenko added. “I think people want to experience something new and taste something new, try something new.
“My hope is that people will see how diverse Morden is and how rich each of the cultures are,” she said. “Each of us as a country and as a culture bring so much to the community. Each of the cultures are so rich in so many ways. This is what I hope people will see and understand.
“This is what we want to see. We want to see how diverse people are, how beautiful people are and how different we are but we are all beautiful and great and kind in the same way. We are all part of the community of Morden.”
For Patrick Simoens, it was an opportunity for him and his family to explore the world right here at home.
“I grew up here, and we definitely didn’t have this when I was younger, so it’s really great that my kids get to grow up with this diversity,” he said while checking out the various activities and educational booths.
“I think that the more you meet people, the more comfortable you are, and I think it will help the community,” Simoens added. “It helps build community for people and their cultures and traditions to be seen and heard and experienced.
“It’s great to see the people taking part and going to see what each country and each culture has to offer.”
Photos by Lorne Stelmach/Voice
Educational displays, dance, music, and outdoor activities were on tap Saturday for Morden’s Multicultural Winterfest, which celebrated the community’s diversity by giving longtime and newcomer residents alike the chance to share their culture with one another.
