Bellissimo! Folklorama’s Italian Pavilion Dazzles With Dance, Song, and Flavour

By: Donovan Martin Sr. – Editor in Chief

You know a pavilion at Folklorama is hot stuff when shows are sold out before you can even blink. This year, the Italian Pavilion proved that reputation well-earned. The theme was Festival, and Pavilion Coordinator Samantha Duff Houzon made sure audiences experienced the joy, colour, and energy of celebrating across Italy — all without leaving Winnipeg.

From the very first moment, you felt as though you’d stepped into a time machine and been whisked to a sun-drenched piazza somewhere between Venice and Naples. For forty-five unforgettable minutes, the stage exploded with high-energy, intricate dancing that drew on traditions from across Italy’s many regions. The choreography was breathtaking — every kick, spin, and step perfectly in rhythm. It wasn’t just dance; it was a living, breathing celebration. You could almost smell the ocean breeze from Sicily or hear church bells in Florence.

Samantha summed it up beautifully: “Each year, the commitment from our community and volunteers warms my heart. Their dedication continues to radiate the pride of the Italian community, and sharing our culture with the world is truly a blessing.” That dedication was felt in every detail, from the performances to the food to the warm smiles greeting guests at the door.

One of the true standouts of the evening was the live band — a group so tight-knit, it seemed like they’d been playing together for decades. Their music didn’t just accompany the dancers; it elevated them. Every beat matched the energy on stage, weaving seamlessly between the gentle romance of a love ballad and the fiery tempo of a tarantella.

The highlights were plentiful. The matriarchs of the Pavilion, graceful and radiant, took the stage with a dance that reminded everyone that youthfulness comes from spirit, not age. They lit up the crowd, earning cheers and applause that rang through the hall. Then came the solos — voices that soared.

The moment one soloist stepped forward to sing Volare, the audience was captivated. The voice was pure, angelic, and full of emotion, evoking the timeless charm of one of Italy’s most beloved songs. Not to be outdone, another soloist surprised everyone with an upbeat operatic number that combined technical brilliance with an irresistible sense of fun. It was the kind of performance that had people leaning forward in their seats, grinning from ear to ear.

And then, of course, there was the food. Because what would an Italian Pavilion be without it? The aroma alone could have drawn you in from blocks away. Guests lined up for plates of perfectly seasoned spaghetti and meatballs, fresh-from-the-oven pizza, and pastas that seemed straight from a Tuscan kitchen. And the pastries — oh, the pastries. There was the coconut-fused cookie: soft, chewy, and so addictive you could eat a dozen without blinking.

The hospitality matched the excellence of the performances and cuisine. From the moment you stepped through the doors, you were treated like famiglia. The hosts, coordinators, and cultural ambassadors made every visitor feel welcome, guiding them to seats, sharing tidbits about Italy’s rich traditions, and making sure everyone left with a full heart and an even fuller stomach.

The Italian Pavilion isn’t just a stop on the Folklorama map — it’s a destination you can’t miss. Every year, it delivers not only a performance but a feeling: that in Italy, no matter where you are, there’s always a reason to celebrate. The pride of the Italian community here in Winnipeg radiates from the stage to the tables, from the first bite of pasta to the final bow of the dancers.

Leaving the pavilion, you don’t just have your Folklorama passport stamped; you carry with you the warmth, spirit, and joy of Italy itself. And like so many in the sold-out crowd, you’re already making plans to come back next year — because if there’s one thing the Italian Pavilion guarantees, it’s that you will never, ever leave disappointed.