How to Celebrate Multiculturalism Day in Toronto
On June 27th, Canada celebrates Multiculturalism Day, honouring “the many cultural communities that help build a strong and vibrant Canadian society.” But, walking around Toronto, you wouldn’t exactly know it. Around here, June 27th looks just like any other day.
Maybe we should change that. Sure, the city already stuffs its summer calendar with street festivals celebrating one culture after another. But how many opportunities do we get to celebrate the idea of multiculturalism itself? How many opportunities do we get to look at the rich tapestry of urban life in this city and take it all in?
This June 27th, consider celebrating Multiculturalism Day. In this article, let’s explore a few ways to celebrate the broad spectrum of cultural experiences in this city.
Tour the Neighbourhoods to Support Local Businesses
Most cities have the odd Chinatown or Little Italy, but Toronto takes it to the next level – practically perfecting the art of the cultural neighbourhood.
In a single day on the TTC, you can visit Little Portugal, Little Italy, Koreatown, Chinatown, Greektown, Little Ethiopia (AKA Danforth East), Little Malta, the Polish stretch of Roncesvalles, Gerrard East’s Little India enclave, and more.
At each stop, consider patronizing the local businesses. Pop into that Portuguese nata shop you keep smelling on your walk to work; shop the sprawling condiment aisle at a Chinese grocery store; sit with an espresso at a Greek café; grab freezer pierogis at a Polish deli; and cap it off with by belting out tunes at a Koreatown karaoke joint.
Throw a Round-the-World Dinner Party
After a day of shopping Toronto’s multicultural neighbourhoods, what do you do with your spoils? One idea is to throw a round-the-world dinner party. Invite your friends over to bask in a cross-hemisphere culinary journey that celebrates the Canadian mosaic.
You could attempt all the dishes alone, but a potluck would be easiest. Encourage your guests to peruse an online food wiki, like SkipTheDishes’ culinary encyclopedia, to learn about different cuisines and food cultures. Then, over group chat, let everyone claim a particular dish or cultural motif.
Decorate with world flags, create a playlist that spans borders and enjoy the great food and company.
Book Tickets for Upcoming Multicultural Events
As mentioned, Toronto hosts a bevy of cultural events. And June 27th might be the perfect time to put your name down for a few of them.
Some street festivals (like Taste of Danforth and Taste of Little Italy) require no tickets in advance – just a clear block on your schedule. Meanwhile, others, like the Toronto Diversity Festival in Nathan Phillips Square, require you to reserve a (free) ticket.
Celebrate Multiculturalism Day with Art, Film and Literature
Lastly, consider checking your local listings to see what arts events are happening around you in late June. Most weekends in Toronto, you’ll find a few art exhibits, literary readings, film screenings, comedy shows, etc., featuring creators of diverse cultural backgrounds.
Art has always been a fantastic lens into differing experiences and perspectives – immigrant experiences, family histories, cultural practices, etc. Check Toronto.com’s events page, Blog.TO, Facebook or the “Events” tab just above you on this website.
We’re lucky to live in such an exciting, bustling, kaleidoscopically rich city. June 27th is an excuse to do what we should do every day: drink it all in.
Other articles from mtltimes.ca – totimes.ca – otttimes.ca
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