The Manitoba Social
The Manitoba Social is a unique phenomenon in North America. Since the 1800s, small communities gathered together to raise funds for newlyweds, or for people in distress. Springing from a combination of the old barn dance and building or cooking bees, people gathered together to both celebrate and assist each other.
The tradition of “bees” involved groups getting together for a specific undertaking. Some were cooking bees, where housewives cooked baked goods, prepared jams and preserves, pickled or smoked game or domestic animals for the fall or quilted blankets for the winter. Others were building bees, where the men gathered to build barns, churches, community centres or homes, sometimes to replace ones lost to fire. Farming bees meant farmers joined forces to harvest or plant crops.
As technology and industrialization made life simpler, these events often took the form of fundraising, as well. People would gather for a dance or party and bring goods or even money to help someone in need.
In the 1900s, the events changed into pure dances, with light snacks served. People paid admission to get in, bought their drinks from the bartender looking after the event, and even bought raffle tickets for silent auction items that others had donated. All the proceeds went to the couple or individual in distress. They became a regular occurrence.
Today, most of the socials are held to raise money for newlyweds. In many instances, the dance and social replace the formerly traditional dance and celebration that followed the wedding. In this manner, the couple would require less money to hold a wedding, while still being able to enjoy a gathering of friends and relatives. It truly is a “social” province!
Folklorama
Almost half of Manitoba’s population has roots in over sixty different ethnic areas and countries of the world, with roughly half of the population being a visible minority. This has made the province a marvellous mosaic of cultures.
To celebrate this unique diversity, more than forty of those groups participate in Folklorama, an event that began in the 1970s and has continued ever since, to show the world the cultural gold mine that is Manitoba.
At each “pavilion,” each ethnic group offers a showcase of traditional dance and music, special entertainment featuring everything from hunting weapons to homemaking tools along with traditional clothing and housewares.
Most popular is the wide variety of ethnic foods.
Nearly half a million visitors may attend the pavilions during the two-week festival in late July and early August in Winnipeg. It is a terrific way for each of us to learn about and appreciate each other’s heritage and is a significant contributor to our reputation as a friendly and welcoming province.
Folk Festival
Held the second weekend in July at Birds Hill Park, north of Winnipeg, the Winnipeg Folk Festival is a long-standing tradition, attended by over 30,000 people. This four-day event features dozens of performers, along with dozens of kiosks serving unusual food and crafts, along with conventional kiosk fare.
The performers generally have folk roots and have included such names as Pete Sieger among others.
Its beginnings in the 1970s speak to the “hippy” movement and many of the attendees clearly hold on tightly to the look and attitude of the hippy movement.
Manned by hundreds of volunteers, the event sees a gathering of all ages, from kids and young people to people in their 80s, all mingling joyously and celebrating folk music roots.
Dauphin Countryfest
If the Folk Festival is a throwback and acknowledgement of the strength of folk music in Manitoba, Dauphin’s Countryfest certainly celebrates country music. Performers from George Straight to Blake Shelton, Zac Brown Band and contemporary big names join together for a four-day celebration in the open air near Riding Mountain.
Billed as one of the longest-running country festivals in Canada, it is a fantastic place to get a taste of the energy of youth to middle-aged fans.
With camping for thousands of people, the parties last well into each night and carry on continuously for the entire duration of the celebration. The main stage is easily seen from anywhere on the open grounds, while a secondary stage offers workshops and smaller performances by the stars.
Dauphin is a three-hour ride northwest of the city of Winnipeg, so be prepared to spend the night, at least.
Powwows
Metis and Forst Nations people make up more than 10% of the province’s cultural mix. One of the events that many reservations and bands hold in the summer is the powwow.
Historically, powwows were gatherings of a tribe before and after the hunt, or when different tribes congregated during the summer. Dancing and singing, sweat lodges, visits in the teepees and trading of tools, weapons, food and clothing rounded out these powwows.
Today, the First Nations people have opened their celebrations to non-native p[people so that we, too, can experience the richness of their culture.