3 days ago
‘People coming together': Nova Multifest marks 8 years of continued growth
Dartmouth's waterfront will be alive with a global mix of music, entertainment and food this weekend.
The 8th annual Nova Multifest will be held at Alderney Landing from Friday to Sunday. Organizers call it the 'biggest multicultural festival east of Toronto'.
'It's about preserving, promoting and celebrating our art, culture, and community' said Vishal Bhardwaj, the president of the Nova Multifest Society.
The volunteer organization behind the event expects it to bring in more than 30,000 people over three days. In 2024, they welcomed more than 25,000 attendees.
crowd
The crowd is pictured under the pavilion watching a performance at Alderney Landing in Dartmouth, N.S., during Nova Multifest. (Courtesy: Nova Multifest Society)
'We're seeing exponential growth,' said Bhardwaj. 'Every year, we have more cultures and countries coming in. It's just now to the point where we have to select what performances we keep or not.'
There will be more than 50 performances, including dancing, music and fashion showcases representing more than 35 different cultures.
'Ukrainian, Indonesian, Spanish, Egyptian dance, Latin music, and more,' said Bhardwaj.
The event is also attracting visitors from outside Atlantic Canada.
'We get a lot of inquiries from different provinces or countries, even people from Europe, asking if it's free, if there's a charge, or how can they book seats,' said Bhardwaj. 'It's pretty amazing when you see those kinds of inquiries coming up. We're in the top ten events happening in [Halifax] the summer.'
drummers
A group of drummers are pictured, performing onstage at Nova Multifest. (Courtesy: Nova Multifest Society)
Alongside the performances on the Main Stage there will crafters, heritage displays and more than 25 food vendors.
The three-day event takes a year for the society to organize. They also support other cultural organizations with their events and fundraising initiatives.
'When people come together smiling and dancing, that's the biggest reward we get it. And it's so powerful, so satisfying. It motivates us to do more.'
Expenses increase every year but Bhardwaj said volunteers and sponsors for help keep admission free.
'It's not possible without their support having such a large event going safely and smoothly.'
Dancers
A group of dancers are pictured performing onstage at Nova Multifest. (Courtesy: Nova Multifest Society.
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