Annual spring events celebrate Burlington’s twin cities

Burlington, Ont.—April 16, 2026 – The City of Burlington’s Mundialization Committee invites the community to take part in two free events celebrating our city’s friendships with its twin cities, Apeldoorn, The Netherlands and Itabashi, Japan. 

Canada Netherlands Friendship Day - Saturday, May 2

Celebrate Canada Netherlands Friendship Day and the 21st anniversary of the twinning agreement between Burlington and its twin city, Apeldoorn, The Netherlands at this free event.

Time: 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: LaSalle Park Pavilion, 50 North Shore Blvd. E.
Featuring: Performances by the Burlington Teen Tour Band and Dutch treats

More information is available at burlington.ca/CNFD.

Sakura Festival – Saturday, May 9

Join this free event to help celebrate the spring arrival of the beautiful Japanese cherry blossoms and Burlington’s 37-year friendship with our twin city, Itabashi, Japan.

Time: 1 – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Burlington Performing Arts Centre (Family Lobby), 440 Locust St.
Featuring:

• An opening performance by Burlington’s Do Kon Daiko Japanese drumming group
• Karate, aikido and iaido demonstrations
• A performance by the internationally renowned taiko group Nagata Shachu
• Suzuran odori (traditional dance) performances
• An exhilarating closing yosakoi dance performance by Sakuramai Toronto.
• Artwork from elementary school children at Frontenac Public School and Fujimidai Public School

More information is available at burlington.ca/Sakura.

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Quotes

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward

“Burlington is so fortunate to have a dedicated group of residents who are committed to fostering our international friendships through their work on the Mundialization Committee. These treasured relationships remind us that building a peaceful, united world is a responsibility we all carry. I encourage you to attend these annual spring events to experience the spirit of mundialization firsthand and see the impact of these relationships in action.” 

Rory Nisan, Ward 3 Councillor and Council Liaison for Burlington’s Mundialization Committee

“For more than 30 years the City’s Mundialization Committee has helped our community see the world through a broader lens. When people from different corners of the world come together, they share stories, perspectives and a promise to remember history and not repeat its mistakes. I invite our community to take part in one or both events this May.” 

Links and Resources

• Learn more about Canada Netherlands Friendship Day at burlington.ca/CNFD.
• Learn more about the Sakura Festival at burlington.ca/Sakura.
• More information about the City of Burlington’s Mundialization Committee can be found at burlington.ca/mund.

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