The long-running multicultural festival returns July 10 to 12 across Brampton with exciting events at 14 different pavilions— all of which are accessible to anyone who purchases an $8 passport.

Representatives of Bulgaria, Canada, Caribbean, Germany, Hawaii, India, Ireland, Italy, Macedonia, Myanmar, Philippines, Poland, Portugal and Ukraine will offer the community a sample of their cultures through food, entertainment and exciting displays.

Festival organizer Angela Johnson said Carabram will present a few new features this year to broaden the multicultural experience. For instance, a Brazilian dance group will perform as guests of some of the other “countries.”

“What we’re trying to do is bring in entertainment from different cultures to hopefully get these other cultures interested so they’ll eventually become a pavilion,” said Johnson. “As well, some organization don’t have the  bandwidth or manpower to put on their own pavilion so this gives them some exposure.”

Kids are also encouraged to attend to learn about different cultures that exist right here in Brampton, and children 12 and under can tour Carabram for free. They will also have an opportunity to win prizes for collecting stamps in their passport from eight or more countries.
“We want people to come out and experience the culture and be educated in a fun, enjoyable way,” said Johnson.

To make it easy, Carabram organizers have arranged for a shuttle to transport festival-goers along a specific Carabram route. As well, Brampton transit will be offering free rides this weekend for anyone holding a Carabram passport.

Keep checking the official website for updates to schedules and events at this year’s Carabram at www.carabram.org. Passports are available at Shoppers World, Bramalea City Centre, Sobeys, Canadian Tire, Royal Bank, Bank of Nova Scotia and other outlets.