ST. JOHN’S, NL – When Ahmed Hassan arrived in Newfoundland and Labrador with his family earlier this year, he was eager to build a new life but knew little about the province’s unique traditions. While adapting to a new country brought many opportunities, he also hoped to connect with the local community and better understand the culture around him.
After participating in several community programs, Ahmed says he has found a welcoming environment that has helped him feel more at home.
“Meeting people from different backgrounds and learning about Newfoundland’s traditions has made me feel like I truly belong here,” he said. “I’m excited to attend the Royal St. John’s Regatta for the first time because everyone tells me it’s one of the biggest celebrations of the year.”
Stories like Ahmed’s highlight how cultural experiences can help newcomers feel connected to their new home.
To support that goal, Tombolo Multicultural Festival NL is organizing a free community outing to the 208th Royal St. John’s Regatta on Wednesday, August 5, offering newcomers the opportunity to experience one of North America’s oldest continuous sporting events while enjoying a day of culture, recreation, and community celebration.
“The Royal St. John’s Regatta is more than a sporting event. It is a symbol of Newfoundland and Labrador’s rich history, strong community spirit, and shared traditions,” said a member of the organizing committee of Tombolo Multicultural Festival NL. “Through this outing, we hope newcomers will experience one of the province’s most cherished celebrations, meet people from different backgrounds, and develop a deeper sense of belonging in their new home. Our goal is to create opportunities for cultural exchange while helping newcomers feel welcomed and connected to the community.”
Participants are asked to meet at 12:00 p.m. at the Dominion parking lot, 20 Lake Avenue, St. John’s, where Tombolo volunteers will gather the group before walking together to the Regatta grounds.
The Royal St. John’s Regatta is recognized as one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s most celebrated summer traditions. Along with the historic rowing races, visitors can enjoy local food, family-friendly activities, games, live entertainment, and a festive atmosphere that attracts thousands of spectators each year.
The outing is designed to help newcomers learn about the province’s heritage, build friendships, and strengthen their connection with the local community through a shared cultural experience.
The event is free to attend, and newcomers are encouraged to bring their families and friends. Registration is required and can be completed at https://forms.gle/WqCiGMMKvaWJsYJ86 or by scanning the QR code on the event poster.
For more information, contact 709-237-1172 or email media@tombolomulticulturalfestivalnl.ca
This creative event will be held at the organizers’ office from 11 am to 12 noon on Friday, July 24. The participating families will draw pictures of their choice on smooth rocks with paint and brushes. Some may draw the flag of their country, some the national flower, some will draw a childhood village or a scene of nature. Each picture will be a personal story, an identity of a culture.
Let’s say the Rahman family arrived in St. John’s from Bangladesh a few months ago. Eight-year-old Ayesha has yet to make many friends at her new school. In the rock painting program, she draws the national flower of Bangladesh, the lotus, on a rock, and a red maple leaf next to it. After finishing the picture, she tells the other children the story of her drawing. On the other hand, her mother draws the green fields and rivers of the village on another rock.
Advance registration is required to participate in the event. All types of paints, brushes and necessary materials will be provided by the organizers. As the number of seats is limited, interested parties are urged to register quickly.
ST. JOHN’S, NL: A national flag is never just a piece of cloth.
The parade is not about politics or borders. It is about love.
That is the true spirit of multiculturalism.
Following a short break, the audience will enjoy the powerful rhythms of African drumming by Bolaji Balogun, before witnessing one of the festival’s most anticipated highlights, the Parade of Countries Represented in Newfoundland and Labrador, celebrating the province’s multicultural communities.
Over three months of filming, the Tombolo Multicultural Variety Show transformed local restaurants, catering kitchens, and community spaces into vibrant television sets where culture met cuisine. The result is an inspiring fourth season that celebrates Newfoundland and Labrador’s growing multicultural community through one universal language everyone understands: food.
With the theme “How It’s Made,” Season 4 offers audiences an authentic, behind the scenes look at how ten beloved ethno cultural dishes are prepared from scratch by newcomer chefs who have built businesses, careers, and new lives in the province.
More than a cooking series, the production tells the human stories behind every recipe, showcasing the traditions, family heritage, and determination that continue to enrich communities across Newfoundland and Labrador.
Filmed between April and June, the season features ten newcomer chefs representing ten cultures, each sharing a signature dish while opening the doors to their kitchens and their journeys.
Season 4 is about much more than cooking. It is a celebration of the newcomer entrepreneurs who are strengthening Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy while introducing residents to authentic international cuisine. Their restaurants and catering businesses have become gathering places where cultures connect and communities grow stronger.
The Tombolo Multicultural Variety Show continues to serve as a platform for promoting inclusion, celebrating diversity, and sharing the remarkable stories of newcomers who now proudly call Newfoundland and Labrador home.
Hosted at the Tombolo Office in St. John’s, the workshop focused on helping newcomers understand what AI is, how it works, and how it can be used responsibly. Participants learned how AI can assist with writing resumes and cover letters, searching for jobs, translating documents, understanding Canadian systems, improving communication, and completing everyday tasks more efficiently. The session also highlighted the limitations of AI and emphasized the importance of verifying AI generated information before relying on it.
After participating in the workshop, the participant learned how AI can help improve resumes and cover letters, prepare for interviews, translate documents, and better understand Canadian systems. The participant said the workshop changed their perception of AI and gave them greater confidence in using technology to support their career goals.
Organizers said digital and AI literacy are becoming essential skills in today’s world. By providing newcomers with practical knowledge and hands on experience, the workshop aimed to reduce barriers to employment, improve digital confidence, and help participants integrate more successfully into Canadian society.
The match was organized by Tombolo Multicultural Festival NL and focused on unity, participation, and cultural exchange through sport. Players were mixed into teams to encourage inclusion and interaction among different communities.
The game was highly competitive and energetic throughout, described by attendees as a “high-voltage” match where neither side gave space or time on the ball. The pace stayed intense from start to finish at the Fortis Canada Complex soccer ground.
Spectators also praised the level of play, highlighting strong fitness, teamwork, and technical ability from all participants.
Several players shared their thoughts after the event:
Organizers highlighted that initiatives like this help bridge that gap for newcomers by providing access to sport, building friendships, and supporting community integration through shared activity.
The event concluded in a celebratory atmosphere, marking another successful example of how sport can unite diverse communities.
The event transformed the market into a vibrant cultural gathering, featuring live musical performances, energetic traditional dances, and an international fashion show. Models proudly showcased traditional attire representing countries including Ghana, Chile, Nigeria, Venezuela, the Philippines, India, Mexico, Japan, China, and many others, highlighting the rich cultural diversity that makes Canada unique.
More than 40 vendors participated in the multicultural market, offering visitors a wide variety of international cuisine, baked goods, handmade crafts, artwork, jewelry, clothing, and cultural products. Guests explored traditions from around the world while supporting local multicultural businesses and artisans.
The celebration attracted a large crowd and created a welcoming atmosphere where families, newcomers, and long-time residents gathered to experience and appreciate the many cultures that enrich Newfoundland and Labrador.
“This celebration reflects the strength of our multicultural community and the importance of bringing people together through culture, creativity, and shared experiences,” the organizers said.
Tombolo Multicultural Festival NL expressed its sincere appreciation to all performers, vendors, volunteers, sponsors, community partners, and attendees whose support made the event a great success.
Maria’s story reflects the experience of many newcomers across Newfoundland and Labrador. Skilled immigrants often arrive with valuable qualifications and years of professional experience, yet many face challenges understanding how to have their credentials recognized and how to access careers that match their expertise.
The free information sessions will provide practical guidance on credential assessment services, professional regulatory bodies, educational upgrading opportunities, and pathways to employment in Newfoundland and Labrador. Participants will also learn where to find trusted information, how to avoid common mistakes, and what support services are available throughout the process.
In addition to providing information on foreign credential recognition, the sessions will also highlight how Tombolo Multicultural Festival NL and We Care Foundation of NL can support newcomers through mentorship, community connections, educational opportunities, and access to relevant resources.