Oshawa Folk Arts Council

Oshawa Folk Arts Council is a voluntary, non-profit, non-political organization interested in preserving and presenting the folk arts that have been brought to Canada by people from all over the world. This council serves as the umbrella organization for a Fiesta Week of Cultural Celebrations held each year during the month of June in the city of Oshawa, Ontario. This celebration is a showcase of richness cultural groups give to the Region of Durham.

Club Carib of Oshawa

Club Carib was founded in January 1996. At the inception of the organization, the main purpose was to provide a social medium through which the Caribbean population of Oshawa could share common interests and develop a harmonious relationship.

As the objectives and functions of the organization expanded, it became necessary for the organization to obtain a charter. In May 1997, the club was incorporated without share capital under the provisions of the corporations act and officially became Known as Club Carib of Oshawa Inc... Club Carib is governed by an executive body consisting of eight members and elections are held bi-annual, in even-numbered year.

The Caribbean Cultural Centre is built on 1.25 acres of land and was officially opened by Mayor Nancy Diamond at a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on June 17, 1993. The Cultural Centre is the "home" of Club Carib. Dance instruction, and steel pan classes are held on the premises.

The cultural programs from the major thrust of the organization’s activities. Club Carib has an active youth group. The Hummingbird Youth Dancers and Club Carib’s sounds of steel keep our culture alive through their inspirational folk, calypso and spiritual dances and musical talents. Our dancers preformed at nursing homes, hospitals to shut-ins, weddings, mall events, and cultural events. Donations of food and clothing are given to needy groups. Financial donations are made to various charities each year. Two bursaries of 1,00 are presented annually to students of Afro-Caribbean decent or members of Club Carib for studies in post-secondary education.

For further information about the organization or for coming events you may call the Carribean

Oshawa Italian Recreation Club

During Fiesta week you can experience some Italian cuisine from lasagna, spaghetti, veal, sausage and Italian ice cream. Also you can learn some Italian steps as you watch the Italian folk dancers perform. The OIRC continues to win awards for the design of best float in the parade. Its volunteers actively seek ideas from our Italian heritage of the past and re-create them to show this generation a part of our history.

Durham Filipino Canadian Society

The Philippines are a group of over 7,000 islands between China and Borneo. The country has over a hundred ethnic groups to make a unique Filipino culture. The Durham Filipino Canadian Society Inc. Youth Dance Troupe of Oshawa and Folklorico Dance Troupe of Toronto, Ontario perform at many festivals and during Fiesta Week in Oshawa at the Filipino Pavilion.

Hungarian Culture Club

compiled by Autumn - grade 7

Canadian Jamaican Club of Oshawa

Polish Canadian Community

The Tatry Polish Folk Dance Ensemble is a group sponsored by St. Hedwigs Catholic Church in Oshawa. They perform at many events such as Mother's Day Concert, Fiesta Week and performances in many of the local pavilions. They have performed throughout United States and Ontario.

St. Hedwig's Polish Heritage School is sponsored by the Durham Region Roman Catholic Board of Education. It is open for children ages 5 to 14. The school teaches the Polish language, geography, history, literature and culture. 

retold by the grade 1/2 class  

Odessa Pavilion

A Ukrainian dance group has flourished over three generations at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian

Orthodox Church. The Odessa Dance ensemble has performed across Ontario at various concerts, festivals, T.V. shows, and political and community fund raisers. Since 1973, the Odessa Dance Ensemble has performed three ½ hours nightly stage shows at the Odessa Pavillion, sponsored by St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Orthodox Church, during Oshawa’s local community festival, Fiesta Week, held annually in June. The Odessa Dance Ensemble is a dedicated group of dance who come from all walks of life and various nationalities. Their love of dance and pride in the culture and heritage which they represent is evident in their dancing.