Want to travel the world this year without leaving home? You’re in luck: a year-long event called Ottawa Welcomes the World is bringing a taste of many countries to you. It’s part of the Ottawa 2017 celebrations to mark Canada’s 150th anniversary.
Step into the Horticulture Building at Lansdowne Park on certain nights in 2017 and you might find yourself watching a tango demonstration, tapping your feet to calypso music, noshing on nori or sipping rum, if the launch event last week was any indication. Here are just a few photos and videos to give you a sense of what’s in store.
The incredible drumming troupe was made up of performers from several African nations.
The welcome extended beyond Canada’s two official languages. Photo copyright Laura Byrne Paquet.
This was a delicious black bean, sweet potato, mango and cilantro stew from South America. Photo copyright Laura Byrne Paquet.
Tango dancers brought a glimmer of Argentina to the proceedings. Photo copyright Laura Byrne Paquet.
Dozens of embassies will be rolling out the welcome mat for Ottawans over the next year, starting with Greece on March 21 and concluding with Romania on December 1. Admission to each event is free. You can see the full schedule on the Ottawa Welcomes the World website.
Disclosure: I attended the launch as a guest of Ottawa 2017, which neither reviewed or approved this post.
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