Cultural fest on St. Clair launches centre for ‘free land’
It was an evening filled with exotic activities from a far-away land at the launch of the new Thai Culture Centre on Nov. 15 at Vanipha Lanna restaurant on St. Clair Ave. West.
Guests were treated to some of the finest in Thai cuisine and culture, including Thai wine and beer, scrumptious finger food and classical Thai dance, —-depicting the Buddha’s stories of trouble and triumph. Also held was a demonstration of Muay boxing, the official sport of the East Asian country. There was also a demonstration of Thai flower arranging — an ancient art that uses petals to create centrepieces, leis and floral bracelets.
Prasert Krachodnog, president of the Thai Culture Centre, announced that the Thai community had indeed arrived in Toronto.
"We’re pleased to take our place among the many cultures in the city."
Although the Thai community is not a particularly large one compared to other ethnic groups in the city, with only 3,000 living in the GTA, they are nevertheless strongly represented through the increasing number of restaurants. There are close to 100 Thai restaurants in Toronto, proof that the Canadian public is showing a strong interest and appreciation for the Thai culture and its food.
Thailand, meaning "free land," is much more than a country brimming with delicious and zesty foods; it’s also a country devoted to its heritage, culture and independence, said Doreen Vanini, director of the centre. She said Thailand is the only East Asian country never to be colonized, which allowed Thai culture to flourish and evolve independently of foreign influences.
"Thai culture is special. It’s one of the only cultures that has been allowed to develop and grow."
The mission of the culture centre is to emphasize and promote Thai customs, traditions and way-of-life, said Vanini. The centre pledges to establish itself as a place of support and aid to new immigrants by offering English courses and general information about the city and the country, she said. The centre is also striving to create a local meeting place, where all members of the community can come together and appreciate tradition, art, food and each other.
Vanini, who fell in love with Thailand while working for their tourism authority, said the culture centre has no physical address yet.
"We’re hoping to achieve that goal by raising funds through our activities, classes and exhibits," she said.
The Thai Culture Centre offers many classes, including regional and classical dance, Muay boxing, fruit and vegetable carving and much more. If you are interested in joining one of the many classes, you can visit www.thaiculturecentre.com for more information.
