Festival of Colours 2024: A Vibrant Celebration of Unity, Culture, and Community in Greater Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
The Festival of Colours 2024 was an immersive celebration of culture, community, and creativity, right here in Greater Moncton, New Brunswick. This vibrant event promised a kaleidoscope of experiences, blending live music, food vendors, vibrant colours, and family-friendly activities for everyone. When everyone was covered in colours, we were all one—there were no races or skin colours, just unity, inclusion, and multiculturalism. The event exemplified the diversity and sense of togetherness that defines our community.
On July 20, 2024, Moncton came alive with joy, excitement, and vibrant hues at the Festival of Colours, held at the Riverfront. With over 1,000 people attending from 12 to 6 pm, this event brought together locals and newcomers alike for a day filled with cultural performances, music, dance, and colourful fun. It was a truly remarkable day that showcased the spirit of Greater Moncton.
Colourful Fun and Cultural Performances
Every 30 minutes, a colour bomb was set off, turning the skies into a rainbow as participants threw vibrant powders into the air, adding a burst of energy to the atmosphere. The festival was a true celebration of diversity, featuring multicultural performances that wowed the crowd. These included a captivating Ukrainian dance by Yulia, a beautiful Indian dance by the Indo Canada Association, and an amazing musical performance by BarPurple, capturing the essence of Moncton’s diverse cultural tapestry.
Our incredible Zumba sessions were led by three talented instructors: Anandhu from India, Giselle from Brazil, and Norman from the Philippines, as well as special guest Ore. Their lively routines got everyone moving, dancing, and connecting through shared experiences. The unity felt in these moments was a testament to the community spirit that thrives in Greater Moncton.
Support and Gratitude
The Festival of Colours was supported by a fantastic lineup of sponsors, including Riverview, Downtown Moncton, Scotiabank, Canadian Blood Services, Nikesh Patel Realtor, Moncton Airport, SENB, Irving, United Way, BioScripts, and Major Drilling. Their generous support made this event possible, and we are immensely grateful for their commitment to helping us foster a sense of belonging and inclusion for newcomers and locals alike.
In making this event truly memorable, we also had the invaluable help of over 50 volunteers who contributed their time and effort before, during, and after the festival. All the hard work and hours they put in made this event unforgettable, and we were sincerely grateful for each and every contribution. Volunteers are the backbone of our community, and their dedication shines in everything we do.
Our Objectives: Building a Stronger Community
Our objectives for the Festival of Colours were rooted in three key themes that reflect the values of our community:
Cultural Integration: We facilitated meaningful interactions between newcomers and locals through shared experiences, creating a sense of belonging for all. This festival served as a bridge between cultures, breaking down barriers and fostering connections.
Community Engagement: The event provided a platform for cultural exchange, encouraging people from all walks of life to come together, share their stories, and celebrate diversity. We are committed to enhancing the vibrancy of Greater Moncton through events like these.
Entertainment: We delivered a memorable entertainment experience that celebrated diversity, creativity, and the unique spirit of Moncton. Our goal was to make the Festival of Colours not only a fun-filled day but also a meaningful expression of unity and collaboration.
Vibrant Marketplace and Diverse Offerings
In addition to the performances, we were thrilled to host a variety of food and non-food vendors who showcased their unique products. Food vendors included Mayur, Dosa Town, Veena’s Kitchen, Chatime, Pinoy Bistro, Kanto Express, and Eonna’s Fusion, offering a delicious selection of international cuisine. Non-food vendors like Asoebigirl, Aromie Clothing, Clinique Energii, and Frontier Immigration added to the vibrant marketplace atmosphere, further enriching the diversity of offerings at the event.
We were also proud to have several organizations and non-profits joining us to connect with the community, including Hospice, ICA, Jade Centre, the Library, and IHL. These partnerships are vital in fostering a sense of belonging and support for newcomers and locals alike in Greater Moncton.
Looking Ahead
Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Festival of Colours 2024, and a special thanks to our sponsors, volunteers, and performers for making it all happen. We look forward to continuing to celebrate the beauty of unity and cultural exchange with our community in the future. We are excited to see what next year holds as we plan to make the festival even bigger and brighter.
Stay tuned for updates and announcements for next year’s Festival of Colours at the Riverfront, where we will once again come together to celebrate the diversity, inclusion, and joy that make Greater Moncton such a vibrant place to call home.
