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Victoria Day party includes multicultural festival, parade, military music

Third annual free One World Multicultural Festival runs 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Centennial Square
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The Thrifty Foods 124th Victoria Day Parade is Monday (May 20) starting at 9 a.m. starting at Douglas Street and Finlayson Avenue and finishing at Douglas and Courtney Street. (Black Press Media file photo)

Commonly known as the unofficial launch to summer, the May long weekend has something for everyone staying in Greater Victoria.

Holiday Monday (May 20) includes a the Thrifty Foods 124th Victoria Day Parade starting at 9 a.m. coursing down Douglas Street from Finlayson Avenue to Courtney Street.

Folks can head down to Centennial Square after the parade for Gordy Dodd’s third annual One World Multicultural Festival.

“Join us for a wonderful afternoon of singing and dancing. Meet local artisans, enjoy delicious food and support our Mustard Seed Food Bank. From my family to yours: One World is our way of thanking all of you, for your incredible support over the years,” Gordie Dodd said in a news release.

Admission is free for the event that runs 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Performances include:

11 – 11:30 a.m. Veselka Dancers

11:35 – noon Vancouver Island Peruvian Pichanga

noon – 12:08 p.m. Nepalese Association

12:10 – 12:35 p.m. Danza Columbia

12:40 – 1:10 p.m. Vancouver Island Bhangra

1:10 – 1:20 p.m. Korean Fan Dance and Pung Mul Pae

1:20 – 1:40 p.m. Tae Kwon Do Team

1:40 – 1:55 p.m. Sampaguita Dancers

1:55 – 2:10 p.m. Vanc Island Cordillera Association

2:10 – 2:25 p.m. Salsa Caliente

2:30 – 3:15 p.m. Finest Summer

3:15 – 4:15 p.m. Black Angus

The 161st edition of the Victoria Highland Games at Topaz Park hosts a display of military music – produced by the Victoria Military Music Festival Society – on Saturday at 6 p.m. to close the first day of Games events.

“This year the Victoria Military Music Festival Society is celebrating its 30th anniversary of bringing bands from around the world to Victoria. Three decades is a significant milestone,” said Roger McGuire, chairman of the VMMFS. “We understand the changing tastes of our audience and are committed to delivering top-quality performances that resonate with our local community.”

On Sunday (May 19) at 4 p.m., the bands perform a standalone concert at the B.C. Legislature. The bands will also march in the Victoria Day Parade on Monday.

RELATED: Victoria Highland Games and Celtic Festival returns for 161st year