"THE EAST COAST CANADA VILLAGE AT THE BRANTFORD INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL VILLAGES FESTIVAL"
- The Mighty Ship
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Canada is a nation known for being many things, one of which is a multicultural mosaic. In fact, according to Canada.ca, our 2021 census reported over "450 ethnic or cultural origins by participants". (1) Indeed, many identify this characteristic as one of our primary strengths. Perhaps there is no better tangible evidence of this than The Brantford International Cultural Villages Festival. To learn more about this fabulous four-day celebration in July, please read on.
Photo Credit: facebook.com/brantfordvillages
Since 1974, multiple venues in Brantford have been hosting specific "villages" promoting various cultures. Beginning on 19 June, you can purchase a passport at any venue for a mere 10$ and essentially travel the world experiencing over 15 different cultures' food, music, dance, clothing, etc. (2) If you're a ethnic food fan, like me, this is an awesome opportunity. But, if also like me, you enjoy a good party, there's one village in particular that will really float your boat. Pun intended.
Photo Credit: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561260205854
The East Coast Canada Village, hosted by The Brantford Artillery Gunners' Club, represents the Atlantic provinces of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador. The interesting thing about this village is that it celebrates a regional and not a national culture. Its ethnicities are a unique amalgamation of settlers, primarily from Britain, Ireland, and France, and the Indigenous Mi'kmaq, Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet), Peskotomuhkati (Passamaquoddy), Innu, and Inuit peoples. Its personality is not only a combination of traditions from the old world meshed with the new, but is also formed from the region's unique relationship with its environment. Traditional industries like fishing, farming, forestry, and integral parts of its residents' DNA, evident through food, language, music, dance, etc.
Upon entry to the village, you can choose to remain downstairs and enjoy the sounds of The Mighty Ship, with limited food service typical of the region. Previous years have seen fishcakes, toutons, baked beans, fried baloney, and donairs on offer. Or you may purchase a wristband for upstairs to be entertained by Cobby's Kitchen Party, have a meal, take part in a "screech-in ceremony" (read more here themightyship.com/post/the-newfoundland-screech-in), and visit with the Mummers (read more here themightyship.com/post/any-mummers-llowed-in). For those who have never visited Atlantic Canada, it's a stereotypical snapshot into life on the East Coast. For those of us from there, it's a fun way to enjoy a little piece of home right here in southern Ontario for the weekend. I've also been told that our village is the last to close every year as well.
On Friday, 05 June, 2026, the BAGC will host a joint fundraiser for both the East Coast Canada and Scottish Villages, which we're calling "Scotch and Screech". The Mighty Ship, The Brantford Pipes and Drums, and The Angus Academy of Highland Dance will be providing the entertainment. There will be a screech-in ceremony, and rumour has it, that The Mummers might even join us for a tune or two. A hybrid food plate, featuring staples from both cultures, such as: donairs, sausage rolls, fried baloney, haggis, and beans is on offer for 15$ and can be preordered by emailing “brantfordpipesanddrums@gmail.com”. Doors open at 7 and the show starts at 7:30. Admission is 10$ at the door or you may pre-order to the email address listed above. Hope to see you there! Sláinte!
Helpful Links:
themightyship.com - The Mighty Ship's website
brantfordvillages.ca - The BICV website
facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561260205854 - The East Coast Canada Village Facebook Page
facebook.com/BrantfordPnD/ - The Brantford Pipes and Drums' Facebook page
angushighlanddance.ca - The Angus Academy of Highland Dance
kitchen-party.ca - Cobby's Kitchen Party
gunnersclub21.com - The Brant Artillery Gunners' Club website
Sources Cited:
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