Residents of Parc-Extension will see their neighbourhood represented in a brand-new cultural celebration launching later this month across the borough of Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension.
On May 23, the borough will host the first-ever “Festivités culturelles de VSP: Au rythme de nos artistes,” a free day-long event dedicated to music, art, performances and community gatherings at the Maison de la culture Claude-Léveillée.
While the festivities will take place in Villeray, Parc-Extension will have a direct role in the programming through the participation of the Maison de la culture de Parc-Extension, which will contribute several activities to the event.
The initiative is being presented as a new annual cultural rendez-vous celebrating the diversity and artistic energy of the borough’s communities. Organizers say the goal is to create an accessible event where residents can discover local artists, participate in workshops and enjoy performances in a welcoming atmosphere.
Beginning at 12:30 p.m., visitors will be able to take part in comic-book workshops, drawing and colouring activities, traditional music and dance performances, family entertainment and guided exhibition visits with creative activities.
The event will also include a performance selected by Villeray’s citizen programming committee, highlighting the borough’s growing emphasis on community participation in cultural programming.
For many residents of Parc-Extension, the multicultural focus of the festivities reflects the reality of their own neighbourhood, long known for its immigrant communities and rich mix of languages, traditions and artistic influences.
In announcing the event, borough mayor Jean François Lalonde said the new festival aims to celebrate one of the borough’s greatest strengths: its cultural diversity.
“With the Festivités culturelles de VSP, we are creating a new gathering moment that celebrates the diversity, creativity and artists of our borough,” he said.
The evening portion of the festival will feature the concert “Ode au printemps,” bringing together performers including Marco Calliari, Willows, Josianne Paradis, the Duo Fortin-Poirier and Sébastien Lacombe.
The café LatinArte will also remain open throughout the day with a special menu for festivalgoers.
Admission is free and no registration is required.
