Uniting the world through colours, that’s the goal of Colourfest.
Executive Director for Moncton Cares, Ketan Raval, says their philosophy is one community for all.
“Colorfest is a festival of colours which is usually celebrated in many countries, primarily in India. However, we want to bring a philosophy of one community for all. So when everyone plays with the colour, and there will be a different graffiti on the faces, like different colours on the face, no one can identify where you are from. They cannot identify the skin colour you have, your race, or your religion. So we all are different, but we are one community,” Raval explained.
Integrating the whole community
The first Colourfest in Moncton was held in 2024. Raval says they’ve added more performances and a multicultural market for 2026, which will be held on July 11.
“Packets of colours are non-toxic edible colours, so it’s just probably corn powder or corn starch, and it will wash away. There will be washing stations too. We purchase those packets and those colours, and they will be available to buy for around $3 per pouch,” Raval added.
Around 1000 people attended last year, with more expected this year
“It brings different cultures together. It also provides an opportunity for the community to integrate with each other. So, having events, particularly free events, where more people and people who cannot access other ways of family entertainment, this helps them to come and participate as well,” Raval told our newsroom.
“That’s why hosting these events is very important. We support all other events also happening in the community because it makes our community vibrant.”
Free festivities begin at 3 pm Saturday at Moncton’s Riverfront Park
Moncton Cares, which is hosting the event, is a not-for-profit organization, and Raval explained that they also support others who will be there, including Second Mile Food Bank, New Brunswick Refugee Clinic and a couple of others.
Moncton Cares helps others to ensure they have the services they need to thrive in the community.
“From food bank to clothing to employment services, we provide a social safety net for racialized people as well as the low-income population in the community. On average, we serve around 5,000 people every year,” Raval shared.
