Multicultural festival organizer says cultural sharing — and jobs — key to life satisfaction

As the Tombolo Multicultural Festival wraps up for a 13th year, the festival's director says while the event has grown and become more diverse over the years, more can be done to keep newcomers in Newfoundland and Labrador.  

With a combination of in-person and virtual events, including live musical performances, food and crafts market, cooking classes and panel discussions, Zainab Jerrett said the festival helps newcomers integrate fully into their community.

"What I really wanted, and still want, is for us to share our cultures, because that brings intercultural understanding," Jerrett said.

"We've seen people who are newcomers, not just becoming friends with the locals, but being able to feel that they're accepted.… This festival hopefully is making it possible for us to understand each other."

In addition to showcasing diverse cultures and traditions, Tombolo's most recent programming has incorporated more "serious" subject matter too, Jerrett said. This year's edition, for instance, featured a panel on anti-racism and inclusion.

"We are not political," Jerrett said.

"We focus on entertainment. But we felt we should extend our program or include other serious things."