Tamil Fest Draws Record Crowd with over 150,000 Attendees, Becomes largest event ever hosted in Scarborough

Tamil Fest broke records in its second year, drawing over 150,000 visitors from across North America and becoming the largest event to be hosted in Scarborough. Hosted by the Canadian Tamil Congress, the annual festival took place from August 26 to 28 and is now also the largest Tamil event hosted outside of South Asia.

“Tamil Fest is about celebrating the spectacular diversity of Canada, and of showcasing the best of Tamil arts, culture, cuisine, and entertainment,” said David Poopalapillai, National Spokesperson for the Canadian Tamil Congress.

The festival celebrated local artists, musicians and chefs and performers from around the world. Tamil Fest was also a testament to success and ingenuity of the thriving Tamil Canadian business community with more than 85 vendors on site.

A central attraction of the event was a refugee lifeboat, which holds great historical significance for the Tamil Canadian community. Tamil Canadians came together to buy and transport the lifeboat from Newfoundland to Toronto this month to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the rescue of 155 Tamil refugees by Canadian fishing crews.

“This lifeboat is a powerful testament to the determination and courage of refugees to overcome incredible odds and survive,” said Poopalapillai. “It is also an incredible symbol of Canadian generosity, of how our great country showed compassion and provided hope and life to these 155 refugees.”

Tamil Fest is unique to the province of Ontario, which with 350,000 Tamil Canadians, is home to the largest Tamil population outside of South Asia. Tamil Fest will be held annually on the last weekend of August.

Media Inquiries: David Poopalapillai
E-mail: david@canadiantamilcongress.ca
Direct: 905-781-7034
Web: tamilfest.ca