Brampton - Experience the World of culture, cuisine and spectacular entertainment at 14 venues across Brampton, including new pavilions this year for Middle Eastern, Vietnam and Cambodia and a new host for the Indian Pavilion.

“This will be a great year for Carabram’s 30th anniversary ,” says Carabram President Angela Johnson. “As our city continues to grow, Carabram has even greater relevance as we celebrate our similarities and our differences. Our city is unique because of the many cultures we embrace and Carabram provides an opportunity to experience our world over three days in July.”

The Caribbean Pavilion, overall Award Winning Pavilion for 2011 is the only pavilion of the original four, which started Carabram, that is still in the festival. In addition to their celebration of 30 years with the festival the pavilion will be featuring exciting things for the 50th anniversary of Independence for Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago.

Conceived in 1982, Carabram is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, development and promotion of the diverse ethnic communities in Brampton. It focuses on the culture and arts of each country including local dancers, musicians, singers, artists and performers of all types in native language style and dress. It gives the opportunity to develop and showcase a wide array of artistic performances by professional practitioners from a variety of backgrounds and cultures including aboriginals, who call Brampton home.

As you crisscross the globe, celebrating rich culture, food, music and dance, enjoy Brampton’s vibrant multicultural community.

“We are excited about our new pavilions. They have tremendous energy and enthusiasm and I know they will do a fabulous job representing their cultures,” Johnson said.

“Last year we discovered the beauty of Latin America; its culture, exotic food and deep traditions of music and dance -18 countries all in one place. And United Africa was a fascinating experience, with music, food and culture representing the whole continent.”

You will also experience the Philippine rhythms of “Indayog”, the Celtic history and culture at Ireland or traditional Macedonian hospitality.

You can enjoy the vibrant Maha Thingyan Water Festival at Myanmar and celebrate foods like beavertail pastries in Canada, authentic Jerk Chicken from the Caribbean, and homemade "Zelnik" from Macedonia. And don’t miss the hypnotic dancers of Hawaii.

“For a $10 Carabram Passport, Bramptonians can experience the world,” says Johnson. “Children’s Passports are free for children under 12, and it allows them to travel Brampton Transit for free during the festival .” she says.

The pavilion lineup this year includes Bangladesh, Cambodia, Canada, Caribbean, Hawaiian/Polynesian, India, Ireland, Latin America, Macedonia, Middle Eastern, Myanmar, Philippines, United Africa and Vietnam.

Pavilions are located throughout Brampton, easily accessible by car, or free on any Brampton Transit bus, including the dedicated Carabram shuttle service. Free transit ride is only available to anyone holding a valid 2012 Carabram passport. You’ll find a pavilion location map and transit schedule online at www.carabram.org. You can also follow Carabram on Twitter at www.twitter.com/carabram and Facebook www.facebook.com/carabram.

“We have great support from our key sponsors. We couldn’t mount this festival without their help,” says Johnson. “We are looking forward to an exceptional festival this year. Get ready to Experience the World without leaving Brampton .”

For more information:  
Contact Angela Johnson (angelaj@carabram.org)  or call 416 452 4917.