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A new festival that celebrates African cultures in Edmonton is enticing visitors with delicious cuisine, music and a colourful parade.

“There will be performances by a variety of African artists and talents,” said spokesman John Hagan, explaining that festival organizers hope to make it an annual tradition. “(Edmontonians) believe in inclusiveness, accommodation and they have a passion for festivals.”

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AfroFest will showcase dozens of communities in Churchill Square on June 3 and 4. Hagan, originally from Ghana, said it will also be a celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday.

Partygoers can sample food from across the continent — from fried plantains to ugali, a dish made with maize flour. Six restaurants are tasked with cooking food from different regions.

The festival will educate visitors about the plethora of different cultures in more than 50 African countries, Hagan said.

“It’s not just one country … there are thousands of languages,” he said. “We are educating ourselves too because we don’t know all the cultures.”

Local businesses are partnering with the festival, selling crafts and curios on site.

“There will be lots of drumming and dancing,” Hagan said. “And colourful displays and performances.”

The festival takes place on Saturday, June 3 from noon to 10 p.m and on Sunday, June 4 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Sir Winston Churchill Square. There will be a parade at noon on Saturday.