May is shaping up to be a beautiful month in Burlington — and not just because of the weather. Two beloved annual events are returning to celebrate the city's decades-long friendships with Apeldoorn, The Netherlands and Itabashi, Japan. Best of all? Both are completely free.
Canada Netherlands Friendship Day – May 2
Kick off the month on Saturday, May 2 at LaSalle Park Pavilion (50 North Shore Blvd. E.) for Canada Netherlands Friendship Day. This year marks a milestone worth raising a stroopwafel for: the 21st anniversary of Burlington's twinning agreement with Apeldoorn.
The morning runs from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and features live performances by the Burlington Teen Tour Band alongside Dutch treats to snack on. It's a relaxed, community-spirited morning by the lake — the perfect way to start May.
More details at burlington.ca/CNFD.
Sakura Festival – May 9
The following Saturday, May 9, the Sakura Festival returns to the Burlington Performing Arts Centre (Family Lobby, 440 Locust St.) from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Now in its 37th year of celebrating Burlington's friendship with Itabashi, Japan, this event is one of the city's most vibrant cultural afternoons of the year.
The lineup is packed: expect an opening performance from Burlington's own Do Kon Daiko Japanese drumming group, demonstrations in karate, aikido and iaido, a performance by internationally renowned taiko ensemble Nagata Shachu, traditional suzuran odori dance, and a high-energy closing yosakoi performance by Sakuramai Toronto. There will also be artwork on display from students at both Frontenac Public School in Burlington and Fujimidai Public School in Japan — a lovely reminder that these friendships reach across generations.
More details at burlington.ca/Sakura.
Why It Matters
Burlington's Mundialization Committee has been nurturing these international connections for over 30 years. As Mayor Marianne Meed Ward put it, these relationships are a reminder "that building a peaceful, united world is a responsibility we all carry." Ward 3 Councillor Rory Nisan echoed that sentiment, noting that when people from different parts of the world come together, they "share stories, perspectives and a promise to remember history and not repeat its mistakes."
Whether you're a longtime attendee or experiencing these events for the first time, both celebrations offer a genuine and joyful window into Burlington's place in the wider world. Mark your calendar — May is going to be a good one.
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