Saturday 13 September 2025
Food, Dance, and Unity: Orléans Embraces Diversity at Multicultural Festival
By Ijeoma Ukazu
Ottawa is famous for its extreme seasons, but September 13 offered a welcome balance. The air was cool yet pleasant, the sun gentle enough to invite families outdoors. It was the perfect backdrop for the Orléans Multicultural Festival, a celebration that transformed the community into a lively mosaic of sounds, flavours, and colours.
From the moment visitors arrived, they were greeted by an atmosphere filled with warmth and anticipation. Tents lined the grounds, each one brimming with vibrant displays, mouth-watering aromas, and the inviting smiles of community members eager to share a piece of their heritage. The festival was more than an event—it was a living showcase of what makes Orléans such a unique and inclusive corner of Canada.
At the heart of the celebration was Yvette Ashiri, the driving force behind the festival. In her opening remarks, she welcomed attendees, acknowledging not only the guests but also the service providers and small business owners who had set up booths.
“There’s an opportunity for everyone to go around each tent and learn from local businesses as well as patronize them,” Ashiri said. “It is all about connecting and learning from one another and discovering different cultures.”
Her words resonated with the spirit of the day. As she encouraged the crowd to cheer for performers and embrace each cultural expression, it became clear that the festival was more than entertainment—it was an intentional act of community-building.
The significance of the event was underscored by the presence of Marie-France Lalonde, Member of Parliament for Orléans. Taking the stage, she thanked Ashiri and her team of volunteers for bringing the community together to celebrate diversity.
“In Ontario, and in Canada as a whole, it is so important to celebrate our diversity,” Lalonde said. “When I arrived earlier, I saw beautiful dancers with drums, followed by performers from Mexico. Today we are joined by people from many different countries, each sharing their culture with us. Canada is built from many cultures—like pieces of a mosaic—and that is what makes our community in Orléans so special.”
Lalonde also highlighted the volunteers whose work gave residents the chance to witness remarkable performances and allowed entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas and services.
The festival grounds buzzed with energy as vendors presented an array of goods and delicacies. A Nigerian suya stand drew a crowd with the smoky aroma of grilled meat seasoned with signature spices. Nearby, Algerian bakers displayed golden pastries, their flaky layers tempting anyone who walked by. Across from them, entrepreneurs offered organic drinks crafted from family recipes, while local service providers shared resources ranging from financial literacy to mental health counselling.
For many, the stalls were a highlight—an opportunity to taste the world without leaving Orléans. The blend of food, culture, and community service reflected the depth of the festival’s vision: it was not only about celebration but also about empowerment.
Children had their own corner of joy. Their laughter filled the air as face painters transformed eager little ones into butterflies, superheroes, and imaginary creatures. For families, it was a chance to relax and enjoy an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of age or background, had a place.
Performances that Bridged Cultures
The stage became a revolving door of talent, showcasing the diversity and creativity that thrives within the community. Viva Mexico brought infectious energy with traditional music and dance, their vibrant costumes adding a splash of colour to the festival. Ballet Esmeralda de Colombia mesmerized the audience with graceful choreography rooted in Colombian traditions.
The lineup was eclectic, moving seamlessly from one culture to another. Local talents such as Wandara Topzo, Maesha B, and Gipsy Gosh delivered soulful performances that blended contemporary flair with cultural pride. Young artist Aaradhya captivated the crowd, while practitioners of Falun Dafa shared a meditative and spiritual dimension to the day’s programming. Each performance added a new layer to the festival’s central theme: unity through diversity.
What stood out most about the Orléans Multicultural Festival was its atmosphere of openness. People who might never otherwise cross paths were laughing together, eating together, and learning about one another’s backgrounds. For newcomers to Canada, the festival offered a sense of belonging; for longtime residents, it was a chance to see their community through fresh eyes.
The success of the event reflected months of planning, tireless effort by volunteers, and the vision of Ashiri, who has made it her mission to bring people together. It also reflected the reality of Orléans as a growing, evolving community—one where cultural exchange is not just encouraged but celebrated.
As the sun set over the festival grounds, the day left behind more than memories of food and music. It left a powerful impression of what is possible when a community embraces its diversity wholeheartedly.
For some, the highlight was a particular performance; for others, it was a new dish tasted for the first time or a meaningful conversation with a local business owner. For children, it was the joy of play. But for all, the festival served as a reminder: multiculturalism is not an abstract concept. It is lived, shared, and celebrated in moments like these.
