Lethbridge celebrates 50th annual Heritage Day

By Lethbridge Herald on August 6, 2024.

Herald photo by Alexandra Noad Chef Oscar proudly shows off a Mexican flag along with sharing his favourite Mexican foods at the Heritage Day festival on Monday at Galt Gardens.

Alexandra Noad
LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

Galt Gardens was a vibrant scene of dancing and music alongside the aroma of food which could be smelt throughout the park on Monday as Lethbridge celebrated the 50th annual Heritage Day.

Heritage Day was first declared a holiday in 1974 to celebrate the rich cultural diversity Alberta has to offer.

Southern Alberta Ethnic Association (SAEA) was the founder of this event, but it couldn’t have happened without the work of multiple hands to make it a success.

Ava Mcmahon, who works at SAEA, says events like these are a perfect reason for the community to come together.

“It fits perfectly with the message of our association. Just trying to bring everyone in our community together to build understanding and education about the various groups and customs that were surrounded with,” said Mcmahon.

Patricio Sarmiento, an immigrant from Ecuador, says celebrations like these are for  future generations.

“These things are made for the future generations. So here we are sharing and showing our youth that this is where we’re coming from and this is what we do and sharing all different traditions, culture and most likely the food,” said Sarmiento.

One thing echoed throughout the day was food brings everyone together and everyone agreed it is one of the best ways to learn about different cultures. Sarmiento was very enthusiastic about all the food options available.

“Oh, I want. to try it at all, but I don’t know if I can actually afford to, or if I can actually have enough stomach like they have lots of stuff they always do,” said Sarmiento.

There was a variety of food available from empanadas to chow mein and even cotton candy and frozen mango cups for dessert.

But it wasn’t just a food fair. The Southern Alberta Chinese Association (SACA) was offering painted fans with traditional writing on them.

Ying Xheng, a member of SACA, says it is always fun being able to promote culture diversity in Lethbridge.

Oh, it’s great. You can see how excited we are. We have so much to share, but  there’s limited space but we try to show our best side to everybody to see how exciting Chinese heritage is and we’re also interested to see other ethnic heritages,” said Xheng.

Celebrating the multiculturalism of Lethbridge benefits everyone in the long run.

Jerry Seguin, president of the Filipino Fiesta Society of Lethbridge, moved here from Vancouver and is passionate about retaining multiculturalism in small cities because it’s many benefits for everyone.

“Multiculturalism is more than just merely promoting culture, but it also promotes good political commerce, economy and also diversity, which is very inviting in the global market,” said Seguin.

Mayor Blaine Hyggen noted how important diversity is to the city of Lethbridge in his opening address.

“As mayor, I’m deeply honoured to lead such a remarkable community that has continued to cherish our heritage, celebrate our diversity and forge ahead with optimism and determination,” said Hyggen.

Each vendor showed enthusiasm for sharing and highlighting their culture through music, dance and the food and encouraged everyone to come out and have a fun time at this yearly event.

“Come check it out. Bring the whole family. Cause this is family friendly, so free admission. It’s outdoors. Come on, let’s celebrate!” said Sarmiento.

SAEA hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year. There next festival will be the Afro Fest on Sept. 21 at Galt Gardens.

In a Monday statement to media, the province’s Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women Tanya Fir said “Alberta is home to many groups of people who have made our province strong and free, before, and since, Alberta joined confederation in 1905. In the past 119 years, Albertans of every background have driven innovation, spurred entrepreneurialism and built the community spirit that defines our province. Alberta’s diversity continues to be one of our province’s greatest assets, and on Heritage Day, Alberta’s government is celebrating this diversity.

“This Heritage Day, we celebrate how our province’s diversity has helped strengthen Alberta by engaging and inspiring Albertans with new perspectives. By embracing Alberta’s heritage and multiculturalism, our province is stronger and more vibrant.

“I am proud to be Albertan, and I invite everyone to celebrate and share their own history, cultures and stories with your neighbours this Heritage Day.”