All the world’s a stage at Folktoria

Depending on what time you stroll through Centennial Square on Sunday, you might see Polynesian performers, flamenco dancers, a Polish band, a Romanian flutist or a Ukrainian dance troupe.

Such is the cultural diversity that collides for Folktoria, a free, one-day multicultural fair taking place in downtown Victoria.

Folktoria aims to build on the nowdefunct Folkfest, the popular cultural festival organized by the InterCultural Association for 35 years until 2006.

Folktoria will feature food from around the world, including Indian curry and a variety of Filipino dishes. About 20 groups are expected to perform at the festival, which is organized by the Greater Victoria Folk Festival Society.

“A group of us got together and were reminiscing of the old Folkfest,” said Sheila Blake, a former folkdance teacher and member of the organizing committee.

“And we hoped we could repeat what it was for Victoria.”

The group had to come up with a new name since Folkfest is under copyright.

Blake hopes that Folktoria will build enough momentum this year to become an annual event.

Many cultural organizations in Victoria have their own celebrations, but Folktoria is a chance for those groups to come together in the spirit of diversity, Blake said.

The festival runs in Centennial Square from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday.

For a list and schedule of performers, visit Folktoria on Facebook. Anyone who would like to volunteer can email folkfestivalinfo@gmail.com.