Accordion player marks 40 years performing at Folklorama
Folklorama’s Casa do Minho is marking its 40th anniversary this year, and one performer has been sharing his gift every step of the way.
John Marques, president of the general assembly for the Casa do Minho Portuguese Centre, has been playing the accordion at the pavilion since 1983. He said it all began when a friend of his father was looking for musicians to play for Folklorama.
“There was an opportunity for us to play and represent our culture and I thought that was a unique opportunity for us,” he said, referring to his first time playing at the event.
“After that I never looked back and just continued on from there.”
Marques said in the earlier days of Folklorama he played a piano accordion, but eventually transitioned to a concertina.
“This is a typical accordion or a typical instrument that’s currently represented in northern Portugal, especially in the province of Minho,” he explained.
“The concertina is a very popular instrument. It’s used in every dance group.”
Marques described Portuguese music as lively and festive. He added that there are some slower songs, but it’s typically more geared towards dancing, which visitors can see at the pavilion.
“If you do visit our pavilion, you’ll see our dancers. It’s all very lively dances. A lot of intricate foot movement, leg movement and then the arms are always positioned high to demonstrate, ‘Hey, look at my feet and look what I can do with them,’” he said.
Marques said every year the volunteers work hard to find new ways to be creative and bring visitors to the pavilion.
Those who stop by this year can expect to experience the cultural heritage of Minho through traditional food, music and dancing.
“We have a lot of families who are committed to the Portuguese culture and to Casa do Minho,” Marques said.
“We’re fortunate that for the most part, there’s a strong core that comes back every year.”
He added that when visitors come to the pavilion, they can feel the passion.
“People are proud of their culture. People are proud of what they’re doing, what they’re representing and they’re enjoying performing and putting this out to the community at large,” Marques said.
A full list of the pavilions running the second week of the festival can be found online.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Israeli attack on Rafah tent camp kills 45, prompts global outcry
An Israeli airstrike triggered a massive blaze killing 45 people in a tent camp in the Gaza city of Rafah, officials said on Monday, prompting an outcry from global leaders who urged the implementation of a World Court ruling to halt Israel's assault.
A cross-country look at beer and wine in convenience stores
By Labour Day weekend, Ontarians of legal drinking age could snag a six-pack at their local convenience store on the way to the cottage. But what are alcohol sales like across the country? Here's what we know.
Former 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor fatally shot in Los Angeles
Former 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor was fatally shot in downtown Los Angeles while interrupting thieves Saturday, according to his agent and CNN affiliate KABC.
Kingston, Ont. tenants fed up with lack of action from landlord over broken floor tiles
Joel Felder and Misti Pitcher have been living in their apartment in Kingston, Ont. for over two years, but the past 12 months have been miserable.
Are you a loud snorer? You could have sleep apnea
You'll have a lot more energy throughout the day if you get a good night's sleep, but not everyone does due to a medical condition.
U of T protesters don't plan to pack up, will hold rally at eviction deadline
Pro-Palestinian protesters who have been camped out at the University of Toronto for weeks say they have no plans to honour the terms of a trespass notice issued by the school and clear the demonstration site by 8 a.m. today.
She developed a passion for genealogy while finding her roots. Now she helps others find their own
Lauren Robilliard always knew she was adopted. As the B.C. native grew older, she developed a passion for genealogy, tracing her roots and paving the way for a career to help others find their own.
The dreams of a 60-year-old beauty contestant come to an abrupt end in Argentina
A 60-year-old woman saw her dreams of becoming the oldest Miss Universe contestant in history melt away in a haze of sequins and selfies Saturday at Argentina’s annual beauty pageant.
Papua New Guinea says landslide buried more than 2,000 people
A Papua New Guinea government official has told the United Nations more than 2,000 people were believed to have been buried alive by Friday's landslide and has formally asked for international help.