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The 16th Calgary Intercultural Festival

Festivals September 1, 2025

The 16th annual Calgary Intercultural Festival of 2025 was celebrated with great enthusiasm

The 16th edition of the Calgary Intercultural Festival was a vibrant showcase of cultural diversity. Held at the Dalhousie Community Center, the festival brought together people from all cultures to share in the excitement. The event started at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 30, and finished at 8 p.m. on Sunday. Nearly 20 booths offered a diverse selection of delicious food from around the world, vibrant cultural displays, and a variety of art products. Associate Minister of Multiculturalism Muhammad Yaseen also attended the event and delivered a speech, emphasizing the value of intercultural connection and inclusion in Alberta.
The stage also featured a wide range of incredible performances. Here are just a few highlights:

• Melody Dance Group – Iranian cultural dance
• Silk Silhouette Dance Team – Vietnamese traditional dance
• Silk Silhouette Dance Team’s Youth Group Vkids Connect – Vietnamese traditional dance
• Maherlika Dance Group – Filipino folk dancers
• Filipino Arts and Culture Society of Alberta – Filipino folk dancers
• Azeri Calgary Stars – Azerbaijani folk dance
• Anna Pompeeva – Ukrainian solo vocalist
• Silya Mehri – Solo Violin Performance – Lebanese culture
• Asiya Iskander – Solo Dance Performance- Kazakh Culture
• Horon Dance – Turkish children’s folk dance
• Zeybek Dance – Aegean regional folk performance
• Reyhani Dance – Turkish children’s folk dance
• Emir Enes Deniz– Turkish pop-rock guitar performance
• MFÖ Tribute – Kids group karaoke
• Sıra Gecesi – Traditional Turkish night re-enactment
• Closing singing Performance by all kids- Yeni bir dünya (A new world)

2025 Calgary Intercultural Festival: Program Highlights

Festivals August 21, 2025

Get Ready for the 16th Annual Calgary Intercultural Festival!

Mark your calendars for August 30–31, 2025, as the Calgary Intercultural Festival returns to the Dalhousie Community Association for a weekend of vibrant cultural celebration! Now in its 16th year, this beloved event brings together communities from across Calgary and beyond to share music, dance, food, art, and traditions from around the world. Explore our program flow below and see what’s in store for this unforgettable weekend of connection, culture, and community.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE:

2025-08-30, SATURDAY

PERFORMER PERFORMANCE TIME
Malik Muradov Opening Speech – 1 11:00 – 11:15
MFO Kids Group Dance Performance-1 11:30 – 11:45
Anatolian Turkish “Sira Gecesi” Performance Dance Performance-2 11:45 – 12:00
Adrian Wolfleg – Indigenous Elder Opening Speech – 2 12:00 – 12.15
Melody Dance Group Iranian Dance Group 12:15 – 12.30
Emir Enes Deniz Singing & Guitar Performance 12:45 – 13:00
Numan Cakir Solo Performance (Singing) 13:00 – 13:15
Silk Silhouette Dance Team Vietnamese Dance Group 13:15 – 13:30
Emir Enes Deniz Singing & Guitar Performance 13:45 – 14:00
Spirit of Land of Fire Azerbaijani Dance Group 14:00 – 14:15
Zeybek Dance Performance – Kids Group Dance Performance-3 14:30 – 14:45
Emir Enes Deniz Singing & Guitar Performance 15:00 – 15:15
Ender Saglam Solo Performance (Singing) 15:15 – 15:30
Sena Şahin Solo Performance (Singing) 15:30 – 15:45
Asiya Iskander: Inspire Dance Studio Solo Dance Performance- Kazakh Culture 16:00 – 16:15
Sena Şahin Solo Performance (Singing) 16:30 – 16:45
Maherlika Dance Group Philippine Dance Group 17: 00 – 17:15
Silya Merhi Solo Violin Performance – Lebanese culture 17: 15 – 17:30
Reyhani Dance Performance – Kids Group Dance Performance-4 17: 45 – 18:00
Tusher Samin Singing & Guitar Performance 18:00 – 18:15
Horon Dance Performance – Kids Group Dance Performance-5 18:30 – 18:45
Mustafa Kabay Bağlama Performance & Singing 18:45 – 19:00
Silya Merhi Solo Violin Performance – Lebanese culture 19:00 – 19:15
Asiya Iskander: Inspire Dance Studio Solo Dance Performance- Kazakh Culture 19:30 – 19:45

2025-08-31, SUNDAY

PERFORMER PERFORMANCE TIME
Malik Muradov Opening Speech 14:00 – 14:15
Horon Dance Performance – Kids Group Dance Performance-1 14:15 – 14:30
Emir Enes Deniz Singing & Guitar Performance 14:45 – 15:00
Anna Pompeeva Solo Performance (Singing) 15:00 – 15:15
Reyhani Dance Performance – Kids Group Dance Performance-2 15:30 – 15:45
MFO Kids Group Dance Performance-3 16:00 – 16:15
Emir Enes Deniz Singing & Guitar Performance 16:30 – 16:45
Filipino Arts and Culture Society of Alberta Philippine Dance Group 17: 00 – 17:15
Silya Merhi Solo Violin Performance  – Lebanese culture 17: 30 – 17:45
Sena Şahin Solo Performance (Singing) 18:00 – 18:15
Silk Silhouette Kid’s Team- Vkids Connect Vietnamese Dance Group 18:30 – 18:45
Mustafa Kabay Bağlama Performance & Singing 18:45 – 19:00
Zeybek Dance Performance – Kids Group Dance Performance-4 19:00 – 19:15
Emir Enes Deniz Singing & Guitar Performance 19:15 – 19:30
Horon Dance Performance – Kids Group Dance Performance-5 19:30 – 19:45
Closing Singing Performance by Kids Yeni Bir Dunya (A New World) 19:45 – 20:00

16th Calgary Intercultural Festival

Festivals July 31, 2025

🌍 We are excited that the 16th Calgary Intercultural Festival is Coming Soon! 🌍

📍 Dalhousie Community Association, Calgary
 🗓 August 30–31, 2025 (Free Entry)

🎉 Get ready, Calgary! The 16th Intercultural Festival is just around the corner — a vibrant celebration of culture, tradition, and unity. Hosted by local communities from across the globe, this year’s festival brings together music, dance, art, and storytelling in one unforgettable weekend.

📅 Save the Date:
 🗓 August 30–31, 2025
 📍 Dalhousie Community Association
 📌 5432 Dalhart Rd NW, Calgary, AB

Here’s a first look at some of the incredible performers joining us:

🌟 Performers

Melody Dance Group – Iranian cultural dance
Silk Silhouette Dance Team – Vietnamese traditional dance
Maherlika Dance Group – Filipino folk dancers
Filipino Arts and Culture Society of Alberta – Filipino folk dancers
Azeri Calgary Stars – Azerbaijani folk dance
Anna Pompeeva – Ukrainian solo vocalist
Tusher Samin – Bengali acoustic singer-songwriter
Silya Mehri – Solo Violin Performance – Lebanese culture
Asiya Iskander – Solo Dance Performance- Kazakh Culture
Adrian Wolfleg – Indigenous elder (opening talk)
Horon Dance – Turkish children’s folk dance
Reyhani Dance – Turkish children’s folk dance
Emir Enes – Turkish pop-rock guitar performance
Sena Sahin– Youth karaoke performance
Mustafa Kabay– Turkish folk music with saz
MFÖ Tribute – Kids group karaoke
Sıra Gecesi – Traditional Turkish night reenactment
Zeybek Dance – Aegean regional folk performance
Ebru Marbling Art – Live Turkish water painting demo
Community Art Booths – Henna, face painting, photo & painting exhibits

✨ Don’t miss this celebration of community, heritage, and creativity.
 There will be performances, cultural showcases, family activities, and delicious international food.

Let’s celebrate diversity, unity, and joy — together in Calgary!

📲 Follow us for full schedule updates:

https://www.facebook.com/burcinterculturalcentre/

https://www.instagram.com/burcintercultural/

https://www.facebook.com/CalgaryInterculturalFestival

https://www.instagram.com/intercultural.fest/

https://x.com/calgaryturkish/

Main Event – Nowruz

Projects May 12, 2025

Burc Intercultural Centre hosted a Nowruz Event

Burc Intercultural Centre proudly hosted a vibrant Nowruz celebration at the Dalhousie Community Centre on May 11.
The event featured a rich and diverse program, including traditional dance performances, folk songs, poetry recitations, engaging competitions, and gift presentations. Attendees enjoyed a lively and culturally immersive experience that brought together community members of all ages to celebrate the spirit of Nowruz.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Government of Alberta for its generous support, which made this meaningful event possible.

The Program Flow was:

1- Adrian Wolfleg – Opening Speech – He is a member of the Siksika Nation, part of the Calgary Public Library’s Elders’ Guidance Circle, and Cultural Knowledge Keeper of the Alberta Men’s Network

2 – Melody Dance Group – Persian Origin Dance performances

3 – First Gift raffle

4 – Muradiye S. – Speech about togetherness

5 – Azeri Calgary Stars Dance Group – Azerbaijani Origin Dance performances

6 – Azra and Sumeyye – Guitar Performance

7 – Mahtab Sayed Nabian – Iranian singer

8 – Arife – Reading an emotional letter

9 – Second Gift raffle

10 – Tusher Samin – Guitar Performance

11- Group Game – Guessing your daughter

12 – Drama – theatre performance by community girls

13- Piano Performance by community girls

14 – Third Gift raffle

15- Closing

Volunteer Week Celebrated with Enthusiasm at IDI

Projects May 5, 2025

We celebrated Volunteer Week with great enthusiasm, bringing together both new and longtime volunteers.

On May 3–4, IDI celebrated Volunteer Week with great enthusiasm, bringing together both new and longtime volunteers. The events featured presentations highlighting the vital role of volunteerism in building stronger communities.

In recognition of their dedication, returning volunteers received certificates of appreciation, while new volunteers were warmly welcomed with a special celebration. Participants also enjoyed a variety of delicious food throughout the events.

The atmosphere was full of motivation and inspiration, culminating in the decision to establish volunteer clubs at universities. Some of the young female volunteers stepped forward to support the formation and development of these clubs.

We thank Alberta Volunteer for their generous support.

NOWRUS CELEBRATION

Announcement April 24, 2025

Cultural Connections: A Newroz Celebration!

Join us for a vibrant evening of music, dance, and cultural sharing! Experience rich traditions from various ethnocultural and Indigenous communities through:

🎶 Live performances

🎨 Cultural workshops & food tastings

🗣 Intercultural dialogue

👧 Youth cultural exchange

Let’s come together to celebrate unity in diversity! ✨

** Alberta Ethnocultural Grant Program

#NowruzCelebration #CulturalConnections #YYCEvents #CelebrateDiversity

Wolunteer Week Event

Announcement April 5, 2025

Join us as we celebrate the incredible contributions of our amazing volunteers!

You’re invited to our Volunteer Appreciation Event on May 3 and 4

Location: 2937 19 St NE, Calgary

Together, let’s honour the power of community, diversity, and kindness.
What to expect:
• Delicious food
• Thoughtful gifts
• Volunteer certificates
• A chance to connect with fellow volunteers

Because diversity is our strength!

Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/calgaryidiyouth/
Hosted by IDI Calgary, Burc Intercultural Centre, and Volunteer Alberta.

Another Beautiful Dialogue Lunch

IDI January 12, 2025

IDI and Emmanuel Community Church Came Together in Calgary for an Event Hosted by the Church

On the morning of January 12, members of IDI and Emmanuel Community Church came together in Calgary for an event hosted by the church. The program highlighted ‘Jesus in the Quran’ and provided an opportunity to share IDI’s mission of fostering dialogue and understanding between cultures and faiths. Following the Sunday worship, attendees shared a delicious lunch, connecting through meaningful conversations and exchanging ideas.

An evening of togetherness

IDI December 22, 2024

An evening of togetherness: A Christmas Celebration Dinner

Spring reminds us of the beauty of diversity — different flowers blooming in vibrant colours, each with its unique scent. Just as black stands out boldly on white, our differences make us more visible and beautiful.

At IDI Calgary, we believe God created us in diverse colours, races, and cultures to celebrate this richness together and we did it on December 19, 2024

TogetherWeThrive #UnityInDiversity #IDICalgary #ChristmasDinner

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