Festivals

2007 August 10th  |

CBC Radio : Metro Morning : Festivals

Flamenco Festival

Lionel and Alexandra Felix are following their dream. They have quit their day jobs and put up $70,000 of their own money to mount what they hope will become the annual Toronto International Flamenco Festival. Running Aug. 10 to 15, their festival is the first of its kind in Canada, and only the third in North America after New York City and Albuquerque, N.M.Flamenco festivals are very specific in nature, be they in France, England, Germany, Italy, Japan or Spain. Concerts by top-notch and emerging flamenco artists anchor the evenings, but the days are devoted to intensive workshops. Says Lionel Felix: “Touring flamenco shows are teasers. They come to town for a single concert, but leave nothing in the local market. A flamenco festival showcases top artists not only as performers, but as teachers who provide professional development and personal enrichment.

Hot and Spicy Festival

Part of the Rhythms of the World series, this savoury festival, sponsored by the palate-cooling Mexican beer Sol, is one event that heats up the summer at Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre. Located in the waterfront district of the city, at Queens Quay and York, this interlude pays tribute to the tangy sensations of the Indo-Caribbean and South Asian cuisines. Five-star celebrity chefs from some of the finest restaurants show off their fusion recipes and edible delights, while the other senses stir with island rhythms of the ‘hot and spicy’ nations. The free admission includes musical concerts featuring Canadian and international artists, an Iron Chef competition, films and other activities.

Taste of Danforth

Taste of the Danforth, which occurs in the middle of August, has become one of the largest outdoor events in Toronto.

The first Taste of the Danforth was in 1994. It was organized as an event to celebrate Greek Culture and their cuisine. At first, the celebration was small, but because of positive feedback, it has quickly evolved into a huge street party and carnival where all restaurants, cafés, bars and merchants feature items and dishes at unbeatable costs.

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