Raising the Curtain week peaks with Shine! showcase
Food, music, dancing, old friends, new friends — and even more food.
It’s how “Raising the Curtain” celebrations were wrapped up Wednesday in Medicine Hat.
“This is a celebration of culture and diversity,” said Aidé Hilsendeger with Saamis Immigration as Hatters filled the Esplanade Theatre for the seventh annual Shine! showcase.
Taking to the stage in the evening were dozens of performers — dance demonstrations of powwow, African, highland, Punjabi, Nepali, Hindi styles — as well as songs, music on the Chinese Erhu, and a presentation about the hijab.
“There’s so many people from around the world here in Medicine Hat,” said Hilsendeger, and it shows how the area has become a melting pot.
Intermission included samples of food from around the world as well, provided by volunteers.
But even before everyone arrived at the SHINE event, many had already taken a culinary whirl around the world at the potluck organized by Unisphere and the Connection Intercultural Association of Medicine Hat.
“Food brings people together,” said Shalla Shaharyar with Unisphere, thanking the library for hosting an event that exceeded expectations, with more than 100 people joining together to fill their plates with foods from Syria, Iran, Japan, the Ukraine, good ol’ southern Alberta and more.
“People love sharing their food and their recipes, because that tells a little bit about who they are,” said Yusuf Mohammed with The Connection, adding that an event like this helps to build trust and integration with the community.
Shaharyar added that events this week come as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is marked — so coming together for the event is both fun but part of a powerful message.
These final two events mark the wrap up of “Raising the Curtain” — where the city, alongside numerous local organizations and venues, came together to host events to celebrate the city’s diversity, and give people a chance to learn about others in the community.
While the events may be over, those looking to continue to learn and meet knew people from all different backgrounds are welcome to volunteer with