Cultural Festivals at Mississauga’s Celebration Square

With its vast multiculturalism, Canada gets to enjoy a wide variety of different cultures, and Mississauga is no exception to the rule. With so many cultural festivals taking place in our city’s very own Celebration Square, it’s time to take a look at which ones are coming up and which ones you may be interested in attending. 

Muslimfest 2016
Muslimfest will be celebrating Muslim culture on August 27-28. The event features more than 50 local and international artists showcasing their various talents, as well as comedy shows, a multicultural bazaar and a carnival for kids. The festival aims to provide youth with a way to share their culture with a broader community and create bridge-building events that positively engage young Canadians. The organizers believe in education “through the language of art, humour, and meaningful entertainment; something that can break through even the toughest cultural barriers.” 

Mosaic Festival 2016
This festival of South Asian culture happens on August 14-15 and promises an impressive lineup of over 150 performers and artists. Attendees have plenty to look forward to in terms of entertainment, with musical and dance performances from artists such as the Shiamak Dawar Dancers and upcoming GTA musician Spellz. There will also be a variety of cultural delicacies for people to “indulge themselves in the culinary pleasures of South Asian food”. 

Japan Festival 2016
The largest Japanese event ever held in Canada, this festival will take place on July 10. It’s being held to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Mississauga’s relationship with its Japanese sister city, Kariya – a partnership that began on July 7, 1981. Those attending the festival will be able to experience some traditional Japanese music, entertainment, and delicious food provided by vendors such as Gushi and Kenton Ramen. You can also look forward to the Bon Odori, which

is a kind of Japanese-style square dance that is open for all attendees and performers to participate in. 

Vesak: Buddha’s Birthday Celebration 2016
The holiest celebration in Buddhism, Vesak falls on the full moon day of May every year. Join the festival on May 28 and experience art, food and entertainment from many parts of South East Asia and Canada. This event, hosted by three Buddhist temples representing all three major schools of Buddhist thought, commemorates the events of the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing away. Activities include exhibitions by local Buddhist temples, the Bathing Buddha ritual, and martial arts. 

Ukrainian Festival 2016
This festival, falling on June 18, celebrates the culture of Canadian citizens who are of Ukrainian heritage. With a focus on cuisine and crafts, the festivals aims to please all attendees with events such as acrobatic and rhythmic dance performed by local talented entertainers. The goal of the festival is to “offer the largest celebration of Ukrainian spirit in the world – showcasing the best of Ukrainian arts and culture and thereby strengthening the multicultural fabric of Canada.”

Polish Day 2016
Polish Day aims to share Poland’s vibrant culture with Mississauga on June 25. The festival includes stage performances, exhibits, innovative children’s programming and a beer garden for the more grown-up attendees. There will also be a good variety of food, with traditional cuisine and a barbecue. The festival is hosted by the Canadian Polish Congress, an umbrella organization established to coordinate the activities of Polish Canadians. 

Bollywood Monster Mashup 2016
The largest South Asian festival in Canada, the BMM comes back this year on July 22 with an assortment of musical and dance performances that all pay homage to the deep culture associated with Bollywood. In addition to the entertainment, attendees can expect some classical cuisine prepared by various food vendors and a KidsZone with fun activities for children to participate in.

Italfest 2016
This festival, set to happen on August 20, strives to celebrate all things Italian. Attendees can experience the rich culture of Italy, along with its art, history, landscape, food, music and traditions. The festival also provides an opportunity to commemorate the Italian pioneers who immigrated to Canada and settled down in Mississauga, making it their home. 

Irie Music Festival 2016
The Irie Music Festival will celebrate the best in reggae, Soca and world music on July 9. Alongside musical performances, the festival features dance and spoken word artists from Mississauga, as well as some international headliners. With an estimated 100,000 visitors annually during recent years, this event has something to offer everyone with its great art and music, fun atmosphere and delicious tropical food. 

Fiesta ng Kalayaan 2016
This festival, dedicated to celebrating the culture of the Philippines, takes place July 30. Attendees can immerse themselves in Filipino culture and enjoy classic Filipino cuisine, including pastries and desserts. Entertainment will come in the form of performances by well-known local and international artists, dance troupes, bands and comedians. The festival also promises to adorn the Square with a variety of arts and crafts from Filipino vendors. 

Viet Summer Fest 2016
For those looking to experience authentic Vietnamese culture, the Viet Summer Fest on September 4 is for you. The festival showcases art, music and cuisine that are associated with the vast culture of Vietnam. The goal of the event is to preserve and promote Vietnamese culture while also highlighting the cultural diversity present in Mississauga.  

Enjoy the culture everyone, and be sure to also see the Mississauga Culture Calendar for any upcoming festivals that may not be listed here!