Whistler Multicultural Festival 2023

2023 was our comeback year after a break for COVID. It was just fun to be back, to have so many people come out, for so many locals, from so many parts of the world - near and far - to want to share their cultures. 

Thank you to all of you who made the day special: 

• Shelby from the SLCC, who welcomed us

• Abraham, who shared alphorn from Switzerland

• Carl who led the drum circle from Xa’xtsa and shared their songs  

• Hiro and Whistler Kendo club, who gave an amazing (intimidating!) demonstration

• Joy, who danced Banga, a Kalinga dance from the northern Philippines

• Master Sun Ying and Whistler Tai Chi Wushu, who demonstrated wudang sword, the basic 24-form tai chi, and the tai chi chen style fan form

• the Ukrainian community in Whistler who shared how to make a Ukrainian headdress, then sang, danced and got everyone to their feet

• Miho and the Japanese bon dance group, who the little ones had fun joining in a Japanese tradition

• Giselle, who shared folk dancing from Rapa Nui, Chile

• Thiago and friends, who showed us Brazilian capoeira

• Masami and the Southern Wave Okinawan Band 

• Yuko and Yuna, who shared Japanese calligraphy

• Samio, who taught some Chinese writing

• Aki and Hiro, who helped participants make their own Japanese hanko stamp

• Ann and Hannyliz,  who shared some Filipino crafts

• Elisa and the always amazing Mexican group, who provided so many pinatas for children to decorate

• Barbora, Chia-ling and Taiwan Bento, and Kizawi Kitchen, who offered us food from Taiwan, Syria, and Slovakia