Halloween marked the start of the 22nd annual Heart of the City Festival, a celebration of the vibrant multiculturalism of the Downtown Eastside. The Opening Celebration took place at Carnegie Community Centre Theatre at 1pm, and the day’s events concluded with the DTES Halloween Festival Kick Off.
Championing inclusivity, most events at the Heart of the City Festival will be free to attend, though some require registration or paid tickets (on a sliding scale). The festival is all about “dignity through community” and hopes to empower DTES residents and their neighbours to get involved in the community together.
There are over 100 festival events in the neighbourhood to choose from! You’re sure to get a new perspective on the area through one of the many walking tours offered during the celebration, which range from historical to culinary to photographical.
Despite the reputation assigned to it by the ruling class, the Downtown Eastside is a vibrant community. Tragically, political cruelty, classism, and ableism put those who live there at great risk. The festival is mindful to mourn all members of the community who have passed, highlighting victims of Residential Schools as well as drug users. There will be a Requiem Mass on Thursday, November 6 at St. James’ Anglican Church to pay respects.
The Heart of the City Festival will highlight the multiculturalism that makes the DTES stand out, with celebrations of Indigenous voices, performances with Cantonese and Mandarin interpretation, and Day of the Dead celebrations. If music’s your thing, you’re in luck: from Wednesday onward, there will be a dance or music event every day!
The festival also offers workshops on skills of all kinds, gallery events, film screenings, story sharing circles, and poetry readings that will enrich your mind and expand your horizons. The closing concert will be a performance by the first country’s first professional taiko group, Uzume Taiko at the Russian Hall. Advance tickets and registrations are available now on the Heart of the City Festival website.
What are you most excited to experience at the Heart of the City Festival?