Charlottetown launched the 2025 DiverseCity Festival on Sunday, kicking off a summer series celebrating multiculturalism across Prince Edward Island.
Festival Launches at Charlottetown Waterfront
The 2025 DiverseCity Festival began its vibrant summer run on Sunday, June 22, with a colourful celebration at Charlottetown’s bustling waterfront. Hosted by the Immigrant and Refugee Services Association (IRSA), the festival drew large crowds eager to experience food, music, and performances from a range of cultural communities.
Island-Wide Cultural Celebration Planned
This year’s DiverseCity Festival features seven community events across Prince Edward Island. Following the Charlottetown launch, the next stop is scheduled for Alberton. Each event aims to foster inclusion and cultural pride among newcomers and long-time Islanders alike.
Organizers Highlight Cultural Exchange
Dean Constable, executive director of IRSA and co-host of Sunday’s event, emphasized the collaborative and welcoming spirit of the festival.
“We’ve got performers from all sorts of cultural backgrounds,” he said. “Some are newcomers, some are long-time residents collaborating on cross-cultural performances. It’s a true celebration of community and diversity.”
Young Performer Shares Heritage Through Dance
Among the many performances, 17-year-old Lotte Zhang captivated audiences with a traditional Chinese dragon dance. Performing fifth in a group of nine dancers, Zhang described the experience as both exhilarating and meaningful.
“It’s like an experience I’ve never really had before,” Zhang shared. “We each hold part of the dragon and follow the lead. It’s about teamwork—and sharing our heritage.”
A Platform for Cultural Expression
Zhang expressed gratitude for the opportunity to showcase his roots alongside others from different backgrounds.
“I think it’s great that we get so much diversity here,” he said. “Everyone gets to show off their own culture, and we all learn something new.”
Community Impact and Continued Engagement
The DiverseCity Festival is part of Prince Edward Island’s growing commitment to multicultural inclusion. By spotlighting newcomer voices and long-established traditions, organizers hope to strengthen social ties across communities throughout the summer.
For continuous coverage and real-time updates, keep following Maple News Wire.
