TORONTO — September weekends in Toronto are filled with festivals and cultural events. Which one to choose, one may wonder? Well, this year, a taste of Eastern Europe might be in order.

Filled with colourful embroidered costumes and song and dance, the Romanian and Ukrainian festivals reveal two old cultures that are enriching Canada with their joyful spirit. Both are marked by flavourful food, arts, crafts, and business vendors working to create an immersion experience.

The Romanian Festival takes place this Saturday at Mel Lastman Square in North York. Decked in the traditional colours of red, yellow, and blue, the square is sure to come alive with Romanian hospitality at its best.

In its 9th year, the festival celebrates the 58th anniversary of the Romanian community in Toronto, and features performers from across Canada and the U.S.

The Ukrainian Festival is a three-day celebration taking place Sept. 14-16 in Bloor Street West Village between Jane St. and Glendowyne Rd.

A woman and child dressed in traditional Romanian costumes at the Romanian Festival last year. (Madalina Hubert/The Epoch Times)

Honouring one of the largest and oldest ethic communities in Canada, the Ukrainian Festival is in its 17th year and features professional and amateur performers from across Canada, the U.S., and Ukraine.

Ukraine’s musical legend Oleh Skrypka will headline the festival, alongside rock band Vopli Vidopliassova. The gala parade on Saturday morning, led in the past by marshals such as Rt. Hon. John Turner and musician Randy Bachman, is also a must-see event for the entire family.

Internet site reference: http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/canada/torontonians-get-a-taste-of-eastern-europe-289380.html