Folklorama’s Media Event Speaks to Folklorama’s Mission

Folklorama’s Media Event Speaks to Folklorama’s Mission.

A key component for Folklorama is connection to community. This year for the 2023 Festival Media Event, Folklorama decided to assist newcomers in feeling that connection and partnered with the Government of Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada local department. On August 3rd at the Centre culturel franco-manitobain, nine families were sworn in as Canadian citizens. 

One of the new Canadian citizens turned out to be Sofia Serafeim, the 2023 Youth Ambassador for the Greek Pavilion. 

Serafeim is originally from Serres, Greece, and has been living in Canada for over four years now. 

“I feel great about finally getting my citizenship,” states Serafeim. “I’m really happy I’m finally Canadian.”

Throughout her time in Canada, she has remained passionate about sharing the rich culture and history of Greece with others while embracing her new country. Her active role in promoting their heritage and culture led her to become the 2023 Youth Ambassador for the Greek Pavilion. 

“Sharing my culture means so much to me. Because I come from a place where there are a lot of different traditions and diversity, I love to share it,” said Serafeim. “That was the Greek Pavilion’s theme this year, our country’s diversity in culture.”

Alongside Serafeim, 25 of our Pavilion Ambassadors attended the Folklorama Media Event to support and cheer on all of the new Canadians. Each person in the room represents their own ethno-cultural heritage and diversity proudly.

Folklorama would like to extend a big congratulations to all those who received their citizenship on August 3rd, as well as the media who came out to support this celebration of diversity.