The DiverseCity Festival brought Islanders and newcomers together in Summerside to share food, music, and traditions in a vibrant cultural celebration.
Cultural Connections Take Centre Stage in Summerside
Islanders and newcomers came together on Sunday, July 28, at the Lefurgey Cultural Centre in Summerside, P.E.I., for the fourth stop of the DiverseCity Festival—an event celebrating multiculturalism and community. Hosted by the Immigration and Refugee Services Association (IRSA), the event aimed to create bridges between long-time residents and new Canadians through food, music, and performance.
Local Talent Shines in a Global Celebration
One of the standout moments came from 10-year-old Quincy Cumayas, who recently immigrated from the Philippines. Taking the stage for the first time at a DiverseCity event, she performed songs including O Canada and the Filipino national anthem. “It’s very fun actually,” Cumayas said. “I can meet other people, like other cultures.”
A Culinary Tour of the World in One Afternoon
From traditional Afghani dishes to Filipino, Indian, and Mexican offerings, the festival gave attendees a chance to savour international flavours. Said Akbar Sadat, an Afghan-Canadian living in P.E.I. since 2007, began cooking at 4 a.m. to serve his native cuisine. “They love it,” Sadat said of festivalgoers. “They said it’s unique.”
Music, Dance, and Shared Joy
Festival co-ordinator Hai Nguyen, originally from Vietnam, emphasized how powerful shared experiences like music and dance can be—even across language barriers. “I feel so happy when I see them with different kinds of languages,” he said. “We have dancing, we have singing, and we have instruments… I really enjoy the melody.”
A Growing Celebration Across Prince Edward Island
Summerside marked the fourth of seven DiverseCity events scheduled across P.E.I. this summer. The next stop is set for Three Rivers on August 3. Organizers say each event helps newcomers feel more at home while giving longtime Islanders a deeper appreciation of Canada’s evolving cultural landscape.
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