For two days in July, Fusion Festival takes over Holland Park for an incredible mix of cultures from all over the world. With so much to do and see, we’ve collected our top 5 favourite things about the Fusion Festival:
1. So. Much. FOOD.
There are no words that can fully convey how awesome the mouthwatering banquet that awaits you at Fusion Fest is. But we’ll do our best. A day of eating at Fusion Fest could consist of some Jerk chicken from Jamaica, trying out Nepalese momos, a slice of Argentinian traditional sweet pie called pastafrola or sweet kulfi (ice cream) from Pakistan, for dessert, and washing it down with an Ecuadorean Inka drink (a roasted mixture of rye, barley, chicory, and sugar beet) or a tropical smoothie. And that’s just the first day. There is no better time to enjoy what all our different cultures have to offer than with the delicious food you can find at Fusion Fest.
2. All the world’s a stage
Or more accurately all the world is on stage. Folk dancing, reggae music, cooking demonstrations, and dance battles! The variety of entertainment is astounding with performances going on throughout both days. There will be plenty of opportunities to explore cultures from all over the world, with a massive list of local, national, and international performers including Surrey R&B duo and JUNO-nominees MANILA GREY and Juno-winning rapper Shad, Sharry Mann and Zora Randhawa! Find an event that interests you here.
3. Piles of Pavilions
The almost 40 pavilions you will find at Fusion Fest will each host a different culture. Learn something new from a familiar place or discover a new corner of the world. Enjoy the crafts, culture, and of course the cuisine from Argentina to Zimbabwe. Only at Fusion Festival can you travel the world through a whole alphabet of countries in one weekend.
4. Indigenous Village & Siam Stage
Get a deeper understanding of the vibrant cultures that originated right here in British Columbia. Meaning “Respected Ones” in Coast Salish languages, the new Siam Stage will feature Indigenous cultural sharing and contemporary music performances. The Indian Residential School Survivors Society have partnered with the Indigenous Village to host “Sharing Circles”, where the public is invited to participate in discussions with Residential School Survivors to learn first-hand about the hardships they lived through while attending the school. The 20-foot mural that was started with artist Brad Henry on Canada Day will continue, and the finished product will recognize how the Residental School system impacted the lives of Indigenous people and how it takes seven generations for a Nation to heal.
5. Age Limitless
Fusion Fest isn’t catering to one specific demographic, it’s got something for everyone no matter if you are 8 or 80. With crafts for kids, a global beer and wine tasting area, sharing circles, a youth cooking showdown and more, there is plenty to fill anyone’s day. No matter your age, you can find lots to enjoy at Fusion Fest.
Surrey Fusion Festival
July 23 & 24
Holland Park, 13428 Old Yale Road