Get acquainted with the diverity of Canada’s cultures.
No matter which continent you and your family originally came from, Canadians are always interested in hearing about our new friends’ country of origin. We’re curious about other Canadians’ cultural backgrounds and traditions. Once we get comfortable, the first question we are tempted to ask is, “Where are you from?”
Why? Because, as you’ll surely discover as you continue making new friends on Amintro, sharing stories about our culture and ethnicity reveals what we have in common – and also fascinates us about what we don’t.
Common ground.
According to Statistics Canada, about 30% of mature Canadians were born somewhere else – like Europe, Asia and the Caribbean. Which means there’s plenty of opportunity for you to interact with friendly people from all across the world. And since they might just live in the condo building around the corner from yours, the possibilities for conversation and companionship are endless.
Only in Canada are we fortunate enough to sip Red Rose tea – or Tim Hortons coffee – with a new friend whose family hails from the same town in England, Italy, China, Eastern Europe, Africa or Iran in which your own parents were born. From October’s Persian Mehregan friendship festivals to November’s Guy Fawkes festivities, it can be delightful to realize just how many traditions you and your new friend share.
If you’re both obsessed with the Royal Family and Coronation Street, you can talk about Harry and Megan’s wedding, and Jim and Hannah’s breakup. Or if you’re both into gardening, whether prize-winning roses or Roma tomatoes, you can trade secrets – and jars of marinara sauce.
New horizons.
When it comes to making friends, the saying “Vive la difference!” applies, too. Remember eating Corn Flakes for breakfast as a child? It’s a fun surprise when your Vietnamese-Canadian friend leans across the table and chuckles, “I’ve never tasted cereal! I eat chicken soup for breakfast!” A moment like this can really open your eyes to a new world of experiences and ideas. You might even find yourself going out together to your local Pho restaurant for a steamy, aromatic bowl of broth and noodles.
Restaurants aren’t the only way to savour different cultures. Every year, Canadian cities hold celebrations that welcome you to partake in our nation’s diversity and rich multicultural heritage. That includes the arts, culture and music of Canada’s indigenous people, with events such as Winnipeg’s Manito Ahbee Festival, which is held in May.
Find your way, together.
For events near you, search “Cultural festivals” along with the name of your town. You can plan to attend the next jazz festival, folk-arts show, Caribbean film festival, Chinese New Year parade, and more.
Get your calendar and pencil ready, because you’re about to explore a long list of festivals celebrating every culture on the planet. Right here in Canada. No passport required.