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Fiesta Week 2025 Kicks Off with a Spectacular Celebration in Downtown Oshawa!

What a day! Sunday, June 15th marked the official kick-off of Fiesta Week 2025, and Memorial Park in downtown Oshawa was bursting with energy, flavour, and community spirit.

From noon to 5pm, the park came alive with 16 incredible performers—a mix of cultural dance groups, solo artists, and musical acts who lit up the main stage. The excitement spilled into the streets with talented buskers, while the aroma of delicious dishes wafted through the air from 13 mouthwatering food vendors. Over 30 local artisans, businesses, and community groups set up colourful booths, creating a vibrant marketplace for guests to explore.

Of course, no Fiesta is complete without a special appearance from our beloved mascot Globie, who brought smiles to guests of all ages throughout the afternoon. And thanks to perfect weather and an undeniable buzz in the city, we were thrilled to welcome twice the number of guests we had anticipated!

Guests also enjoyed refreshing drinks in our bustling beer tent, while local dignitaries showed their support and helped kick off Fiesta Week in true Oshawa style.

Hummingbird Dancers from Club Carib 2025

Miss Romania and Romanian Performers 2025

Food Vendors

Performers

Booths

Meet Our Pavilion Queens & Mini Misses

This year’s Fiesta Week shines even brighter thanks to our 2025 Pavilion Queens and Mini Misses – ten young ambassadors and ten Mini Miss counterparts who proudly represent the vibrant cultures of each pavilion with pride and community spirit. We’re especially proud to crown Victoria Kay of the Italian Pavilion as Miss Fiesta 2025 and Miss Congeniality, as chosen by her fellow contestants. Congratulations also to Paige Hicks (Lviv Pavilion), our 1st Runner-Up, and Adiia Mark (Club Carib), 2nd Runner-Up.

“A heartfelt thank you to our Master of Ceremonies, Eva Fernandes, and to all the volunteers who helped make the day a great success!”

Catherine McCallion - Fiesta Concert & Street Festival Chair

With the kick-off behind us, the rest of Fiesta Week is in full swing—so grab your passport, visit a pavilion (or three!), and let’s keep the celebration going!

The Fiesta Week Pavilion Schedule Is Here!

We know you’ve been waiting, and the time has finally come — the official Fiesta Week Pavilion Schedule is live! Get ready to eat, dance, and celebrate your way around the world, all without leaving Oshawa.

From June 16 to 21, 2025, our cultural pavilions will be serving up authentic food, music, dance, and tradition from some of the many communities that call Oshawa home. Whether you’re craving pierogies and polka, jerk chicken and steel pan, pasta and tarantella, or bratwurst and a good ol’ Schuhplattler – we’ve got you covered.

🌍 What’s a Pavilion?

Each pavilion is hosted by a local cultural organization, transforming community halls across the city into vibrant, welcoming spaces. At each stop, you’ll find live performances, traditional décor, delicious homemade food, and a warm invitation to experience a slice of culture.

💳 How Much Does It Cost?

To take part in the Pavilion Tour, you’ll need a Fiesta Week Passport: your all-access pass to every pavilion throughout the week.

Passport Pricing:

Adults: $10
Seniors & Students (with valid ID): $5
Children (13 and under): FREE

🛍️ Where to Get Your Passport:

You can grab your passport:

At the Oshawa Folk Arts Council (OFAC) Booth during the Fiesta Week Concert & Street Festival (Sunday, June 15, Noon – 5 PM at Memorial Park)
At any participating Pavilion during Fiesta Week

📅 The Schedule:

The full Pavilion Schedule — including dates, hours, locations, and what’s on the menu — is now available. Plan your route, gather your crew, and get ready for a week of unforgettable cultural experiences.

🎶 Don’t Miss the Fiesta Week Concert & Street Festival!

We’re kicking off the whole week with a free, family-friendly street festival on Sunday, June 15 from Noon to 5 PM in Downtown Oshawa’s Memorial Park.

Expect:

Live cultural performances from local talent
Food trucks serving up global flavours
Vendors & community booths
A passport sales booth to get you set for the week ahead
And a high-energy, inclusive vibe you don’t want to miss!

Bring your appetite, your dancing shoes, and your sense of adventure — Fiesta Week 2025 is almost here!

✨ Follow us on social media for daily highlights and sneak peeks into what’s cooking behind the scenes.
📸 Don’t forget to tag your photos with #FiestaWeek2025 — we want to see your journey around the world, Oshawa-style!

Let the countdown begin… see you at the pavilions! 🥳

Celebrating Oshawa’s Cultural Mosaic: MPP Jennifer French Highlights Fiesta Week at Queen’s Park

As organizers of Oshawa’s beloved Fiesta Week, we were thrilled and deeply honored to hear MPP Jennifer French speak about our festival in the Ontario Provincial Legislature. Her words were more than just a recognition – they were a celebration of the rich multicultural heritage that makes our city so vibrant and welcoming.

For over 50 years, Fiesta Week has been a cornerstone of cultural celebration in Oshawa, bringing together people from all walks of life to share traditions, music, food, and dance. It’s a week where the world comes to our doorstep, and we couldn’t be prouder to help make that happen year after year.

A Powerful Acknowledgment

When MPP French stood in Queen’s Park and spoke about Fiesta Week, she captured the essence of what our festival is all about: unity through diversity. She highlighted the dedication of our volunteers, the joy of our performers, and the importance of providing a platform where every cultural group in Oshawa can proudly share its heritage. Her recognition was not only a tribute to our work, but to the entire community that comes together to bring Fiesta Week to life.

Looking Ahead to Fiesta Week 2025

We are incredibly excited for this year’s celebration, which takes place June 15–21, 2025. It begins with a free Concert & Street Festival in Memorial Park on Sunday, June 15; a day filled with live performances, local vendors, and family fun. The heart of Fiesta Week, however, lies in our cultural pavilions, which open across the city from June 16–21. These pavilions offer attendees a chance to travel the world without leaving Oshawa, enjoying authentic cuisine and traditional performances from cultures near and far.

Passports for pavilion access after 4 ill be available to purchase by cash at our Concert & Street Festival on June 15th or at any participating Pavilion, and we encourage everyone (whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time Fiesta fan) to come celebrate with us.

A Thank You to Our Community

We extend our heartfelt thanks to MPP Jennifer French for shining a provincial spotlight on Fiesta Week. Her words remind us why we do what we do—and why it matters. Fiesta Week is made possible by the tireless work of our volunteers, the passion of our cultural groups, and the enthusiastic support of our community.

As we prepare for another unforgettable year, we invite all Ontarians to join us in Oshawa this June. Come experience the music, flavors, and friendships that make Fiesta Week a true celebration of who we are.

– The Oshawa Folk Arts Council

A Night of Elegance and Culture: The 2025 Queen’s Court Ball

On Saturday, May 10, 2025, the Lviv Pavilion in Oshawa was the setting for a night of grace, pride, and community spirit at the annual Queen’s Court Ball. Hosted by the Oshawa Folk Arts Council, this formal gala marked the official launch of Fiesta Week 2025. It brought together cultural leaders, proud families, and civic dignitaries for a meaningful celebration of heritage and youth leadership.

Meet the Queen’s Court

This year’s competition was a powerful celebration of cultural pride and youth leadership. Each contestant brought grace, authenticity, and enthusiasm to the stage—but three stood out in a very special way:

Miss Fiesta 2025 – Victoria Kay, proudly representing the Italian Pavilion, was also chosen as Miss Congeniality by her fellow contestants.
1st Runner-Up – Paige Hicks, representing the Lviv Pavilion
2nd Runner-Up – Adiia Mark, representing Club Carib

A heartfelt thank you goes to Miss Fiesta 2024, Nia Kay, who returned to the stage with grace and pride to crown her successor. Her presence symbolized the continuity of tradition and the lasting impact of cultural leadership in our community.

The Shining Stars: Mini Miss Participants

A special mention goes to this year’s Mini Miss participants – young cultural ambassadors who lit up the room with their energy and charm. While not part of the competition, they danced their hearts out on the ballroom floor all evening and reminded us all of the future of multicultural celebration in our community.

Tradition on Display

While contestants wore formal attire for the evening, their escorts proudly wore traditional cultural dress, bringing color and heritage to the stage. These garments represented the communities behind each pavilion and added a meaningful visual element to the ceremony.

Dignitaries in Attendance

The Queen’s Court Ball was honored by the presence of several distinguished guests, whose support underscored the importance of cultural celebration and community engagement in Oshawa. In attendance were:

Rhonda Kirkland, MP for Oshawa
Jamil Jivani, MP for Bowmanville–Oshawa North
Jennifer French, MPP for Oshawa
Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby
Rick Kerr, Ward 4 Regional & City Councillor, City of Oshawa
Tito-Dante Marimpietri, Ward 2 Regional & City Councillor and Oshawa Folk Arts Council Board Member, who represented Mayor Dan Carter

During the evening’s program, two official scrolls were presented to the Oshawa Folk Arts Council:

A scroll from Mayor Dan Carter and the City of Oshawa, delivered by Councillor Tito-Dante Marimpietri, recognizing the Council’s ongoing commitment to multiculturalism and civic enrichment.
A scroll from MP Jamil Jivani, honoring the Council’s decades of leadership in celebrating cultural heritage across the region.

These gestures reflected the strong partnership between civic institutions and the cultural organizations that help define the spirit of Fiesta Week.

A Dance to Remember

After the formal crowning ceremony, the ballroom transformed into a lively dance floor. Music from a variety of cultures kept the energy high all night long, with families, contestants, Mini Miss participants, and dignitaries all joining in. The dance floor was packed from the first song to the final note—a fitting tribute to the joy of multicultural celebration.

More Highlights from the Evening

Thank You to Our Sponsors

The Oshawa Folk Arts Council extends heartfelt thanks to the generous sponsors who made the 2025 Queen’s Court Ball possible. Your support ensures that cultural heritage and youth leadership continue to be celebrated in our community.

We are deeply grateful for the contributions of the following sponsors:

Rocpal
Yola Deli
Mane Frame Studio
Paradeyes Optical
Witzke’s Greenhouse
Xpressions Hair Salon
Maria Antonio’s Hair Design
Lisa’s Hair Den
Erica Rizzuto
Simcoe Furrier’s Ltd.
Alba Railing
Club Carib
Oshawa Italian Recreation Club
Poznan Pavilion
Krakow Pavilion
Lviv Pavilion
French Pavilion
Northern Portugal Pavilion
Oshawa Portuguese Pavilion
Odesa Pavilion
Club Loreley

Thank you for your continued support of multiculturalism, youth leadership, and the arts in our community. Your partnership makes events like this possible!

Looking Ahead to Fiesta Week

The Queen’s Court Ball was only the beginning of the celebration! Fiesta Week 2025 is around the corner with two exciting signature events:

The Concert & Street Festival – Join us downtown for a day filled with live music, cultural performances, food vendors, and family fun. It’s a perfect way to experience Oshawa’s diversity out in the open air!
Click Here for Details!
Pavilion Week – Tour pavilions across the city as each cultural group opens its doors to share food, music, dance, and tradition. From pierogi to jerk chicken, from polka to Tarantella – there’s something for everyone.
Click Here for Details

Come out and celebrate the rich cultural tapestry of our community. Fiesta Week is where Oshawa comes together!

Proud Traditions and Polish Spirit: The Poznań Pavilion at Fiesta Week

Discover the Best of Poland at the Poznań Pavilion during Fiesta Week 2025

Ready for an unforgettable cultural experience? The Poznań Pavilion offers everything you need to enjoy Fiesta Week in true Polish style—from heart-pounding performances to handmade pierogi and warm, welcoming smiles.

Each evening, the stage comes alive with the sounds and steps of the Tatry Song and Dance Ensemble, performing traditional Polish folk dances with energy, precision, and pride. Dressed in colorful, embroidered costumes, these dancers bring centuries of heritage to life through the vibrant rhythms of the polka, oberek, and more.

But the experience doesn’t stop at the stage. Guests can indulge in a spread of beloved Polish dishes, including pierogi, cabbage rolls, and kiełbasa, followed by sweet treats like paczki (Polish donuts). Every bite is a tribute to tradition and community—homemade, hearty, and delicious.

What truly makes the Poznań Pavilion unforgettable is the hospitality. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning year after year, you’ll feel the warmth of the community from the moment you arrive. It’s festive, it’s flavorful, and it’s full of heart.

Join us for a taste of Poland, filled with culture, connection, and fantastic memories. Stay tuned for posted hours and showtimes so you can plan your visit.

Oshawa Fiesta Week – June 15–21, 2025

Last Chance to Join the Celebration: Queen’s Court Ball Ticket Deadline Approaching!

The countdown is officially on for one of Oshawa Fiesta Week’s most elegant and anticipated traditions—the Queen’s Court Ball, taking place Saturday, May 10, 2025.

This royal evening brings together community, culture, and celebration in an atmosphere of timeless sophistication. Guests will enjoy a night of dining, live entertainment, dancing, and the crowning of Miss Fiesta 2025—a cherished tradition that marks the official beginning of Fiesta Week. From families and friends to cultural ambassadors and dignitaries, this is a night that unites generations under one beautifully decorated roof.

But if you’re planning to attend, now is the time to act—tickets must be purchased by Saturday, May 4.

Ticket Prices:

Adults (11+): $75
Children (10 & under): $35
Dance Only (Admission after dinner): $30

Whether you’re sitting down to a full-course meal or arriving later for an evening of dancing and celebration, the Queen’s Court Ball offers something unforgettable for everyone.

So polish your shoes, prepare your evening attire, and don’t miss your chance to be part of this spectacular kickoff to Fiesta Week 2025.

Date: Saturday, May 10th, 2025
Lviv Pavilion – 38, Lviv Blvd, Oshawa
Doors Open | 4:00 PM*
Presentation of Pavilion Queens | 5:15 PM
Dinner, Entertainment, & Dance to follow
Cash Bar
*No Entry Between 5:15 & 6:00 PM
Entry for Dance Only tickets: 8:00 PM
Formal Dress Code

For tickets, contact your Pavilion Representative
OR
email Melannie at [email protected]

Let the magic, tradition, and community pride of Fiesta Week begin—with you in attendance at the Queen’s Court Ball.

Discover Italian Culture at Oshawa Fiesta Week 2025

From June 15 to 21, the Italian Pavilion invites you to dive into la dolce vita—the sweet life—as it brings people together to enjoy the rich traditions, passionate music, and unforgettable cuisine of Italy.

Throughout the week, visitors will be swept up in the energy of musica tradizionale and spirited performances like the tarantella, a fast-paced dance that captures the soul of Southern Italian culture. Local performers, many of them second- and third-generation Italian-Canadians, fill the stage with pride, rhythm, and joy.

Of course, the food is always a highlight. From generous servings of classic lasagna and cheese cannelloni to rich eggplant parmigiana and crispy, golden arancini, every dish is a celebration of Italy’s culinary heart. For dessert, indulge in velvety tiramisu or a decadent tartufo—each sweet bite a perfect finish to a memorable meal. Every plate tells a story of famiglia, tradition, and love. It’s the kind of food that doesn’t just feed you—it embraces you.

Around every table, you’ll hear the sounds of laughter, music, and maybe a cheerful “Salute!” as glasses of vino rosso are raised in good company. Whether you’re Italian or simply Italian at heart, you’ll be welcomed like uno di famiglia—one of the family.

Make the Italian Pavilion part of your Fiesta Week 2025 plans and uncover the warmth, passion, and unforgettable charm that make this gathering un’esperienza indimenticabile—an unforgettable experience.

Stay tuned for hours and showtimes!

Experience the Spirit of Portugal

From June 15 to 21, Oshawa Fiesta Week returns to celebrate cultural heritage, global traditions, and community spirit—and one of the most vibrant showcases awaits at the Oshawa Portuguese Pavilion.

Each night is a journey through the sights, sounds, and flavors of Portugal. As the doors open, guests are welcomed with the warmth and energy that defines Portuguese hospitality. Traditional music fills the air, and the aroma of bifanas and homemade pastries invites visitors to stay a little longer, taste a little more, and soak in every moment.

The highlight for many? The famous Stick Dance. This energetic folk dance features synchronized movements, rhythmic clapping, and the sharp crack of wooden sticks striking in time. It’s a dance that tells a story—of heritage, community, and pride—and it never fails to bring the crowd to its feet.

Whether it’s your first time attending or you’ve made the Portuguese Pavilion a yearly tradition, there’s always something new to discover—from captivating performances to the friendly conversations that unfold over a plate of food and a glass of vinho.

Celebrate Fiesta Week 2025 with us and see why this pavilion continues to be one of the most talked-about experiences of the festival.

Oshawa Fiesta Week: June 15 – 21, 2025
Stay tuned for hours and showtimes!

Celebrate Culture at the French-Canadian Pavilion

Get ready for a night full of heart, heritage, and harmony at the French-Canadian Pavilion during Oshawa’s Fiesta Week, happening June 15–21, 2025! This beloved pavilion offers a rich cultural experience centered around live music and powerful vocals that bring the French-Canadian spirit to life.

Sit back and enjoy an impressive lineup of local singers and musicians as they take the stage with traditional tunes, classic ballads, and lively French-Canadian songs that will have you clapping along. The energy is contagious, the performances are unforgettable, and the atmosphere is full of warmth and pride.

While you’re soaking up the sounds, treat yourself to authentic cuisine like hearty tourtière, savory pea soup, and sweet maple desserts—all made with love and tradition.

Whether you’re reconnecting with your roots or discovering a new culture, the French-Canadian Pavilion is a must-visit stop on your Fiesta Week journey.

Dancing Through Odesa: A Ukrainian Fiesta Week Experience

Step into a world of vibrant color, heart-pounding rhythm, and rich cultural tradition at the Odesa Ukrainian Pavilion—one of the standout experiences of Fiesta Week, June 15–21, 2025.

This year, the Odesa Pavilion transported visitors straight to the Black Sea coast with stunning traditional dance performances, and a warm, welcoming community spirit that made everyone feel like family. From intricately embroidered costumes to the joyful sounds of folk melodies, every moment was a celebration of Ukrainian heritage.

And of course, no visit was complete without indulging in authentic Ukrainian cuisine—think savory varenyky (pierogies), golden holubtsi (cabbage rolls), and sweet treats like medivnyk (honey cake).

Don’t miss out on this incredible celebration—mark your calendars and join us for an experience you won’t forget!

June 15th – 21st, 2025
Oshawa, Ontario