Rwanda was among the countries that participated in this year’s Servus Heritage Festival that, for the 40th time, took place in Edmonton, Canada, from August 1 to 3. Rwandan’s participation at the festival, which was the first, was ensured through collaboration between the High Commission in Canada and the Rwanda Development Board, the Rwandan High Commission in Canada said in a statement. “Rwanda is one of five new countries eager to bring their traditional food, crafts and performances to the three-day event in Hawrelak Park. The other four are Haiti, Lebanon, Morocco and South Sudan,” reads the statement in part. The three-day festival showcased Canada’s vibrant multicultural heritage where there were 62 pavilions representing over eighty-five cultures from different parts of the country. Umutoni poses for a photo with John Kijuli, a Rwandan official in Canada, and Bill Smith, a Canadian official. (Courtesy) Over 400,000 people are said to have attended the festival, which is the largest in Canada. “On the first day, the Rwandan pavilion was crowded by hundreds of people who were eager to enjoy delicious cultural food, wonderful creative performances, crafts, artwork, clothing, and plenty of opportunities to chat with members of the Rwandan community excited to talk about their cultural roots and their communities in Canada,” says the statement. According to the Charge d’Affaires of Rwanda to Canada, Shakilla Umutoni, the festival was a great opportunity to showcase the Rwandan culture and allow Canadians to “discover the wonderful country of thousands hills.”It is also an occasion to promote Rwandan trade and tourism opportunities. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
