Burlington, Ont.—April 18, 2024— The City of Burlington is celebrating spring with two free events on Saturday, May 11 at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre. Hosted by the Burlington Mundialization Committee, the events are held each year in honour of Burlington’s twin cities, Apeldoorn, The Netherlands and Itabashi, Japan.

This year’s celebrations are extra special as Burlington marks the 35-year anniversary of its twinning with Itabashi.

Details

Canada Netherlands Friendship Day – May 11
10 a.m.
Burlington Performing Arts Centre, 440 Locust St.
The Canada Netherlands Friendship Day will celebrate the 19^th anniversary of the City of Burlington’s twinning agreement with the city of Apeldoorn. It will also recognize the 79th anniversary of the Netherlands liberation by the Canadian Armed Forces during World War 2. The free event will include:

• Canadian and Dutch national anthems
• Greetings from, Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Harman Idema; Elizabeth Witmer, former Deputy Premier of Ontario; and Mayor Marianne Meed Ward
• Artwork on display from Alton Village Public School and Trinity Christian School
• Remarks from a local Dutch family, living in Burlington
• Music from Burlington Teen Tour Band
• Light refreshments

Sakura Festival – May 11
1 p.m.
Burlington Performing Arts Centre, 440 Locust St.
Each spring, the Sakura Festival celebrates the arrival of the beautiful Japanese cherry blossoms. This year, the City is also recognizing the 35-year anniversary of its friendship with our twin city, Itabashi, Japan. The free event will feature:

• Greetings from Mayor Marianne Meed Ward and Consul General of Japan MATSUNAGA Takeshi
• 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
• Closing with exhilarating yosakoi dance by Sakuramai Toronto.

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Quick Facts

In celebration of the 35-year anniversary, special programming is planned in Burlington throughout the year, including:

• Interactive programming at Burlington Public Library, including Haiku workshops, Japanese sword appreciation talks, film nights, and more. Visit bpl.on.ca/programs.
• A visit to Burlington from Mayor Sakamoto and the Itabashi delegation on June 30 and July 1. The delegation will attend Burlington’s Canada Day festivities in Spencer Smith Park and help to unveil a new public art piece in honour of Itabashi in Spencer Smith Park.
• An art display in City Hall from students in Burlington and Itabashi, June 25 to July 3.
• A small delegation from Burlington, including Mayor Meed Ward, will travel to Itabashi to participate in 35-year anniversary celebrations hosted by the City of Itabashi.
• These events are coordinated by Burlington’s Mundialization Committee. The volunteer advisory committee strives to connect Burlington to the world through events and initiatives and to promote the City of Burlington as "A World Community" dedicated to the United Nations philosophy of peaceful co-operation among the peoples of the world and encourage community understanding of different cultures global issues.

Quotes

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward

“The City of Burlington has deep-rooted and strong relationships with our twin cities – Apeldoorn, The Netherlands and Itabashi, Japan – and these annual spring events are wonderful ways to recognize them, and anticipated by the community, staff and Council! Especially exciting this year, is the historic 35-year milestone of our bond with Itabashi. Our active, long-term friendships with both cities have provided invaluable opportunities to learn, exchange experiences, and enrich our mutual awareness of each other’s culture and communities. On behalf of Burlington Council, we invite you all to come out to these events and help us celebrate!” 

Hassan Raza, Chair of Burlington Mundialization Committee

“We are so fortunate to have formed such strong ties with our twin cities. I encourage everyone to attend these immersive events and honour the cultural bonds we share. Both events are free and open to the public. Be sure to look for other opportunities throughout the year to help celebrate the 35-year anniversary of Burlington’s twinning with Itabashi.”

Links and Resources

• For more information about the Mundialization Committee, visit burlington.ca/mund.
• For more information about the Sakura Festival event, visit burlington.ca/sakura
• For more information about Canada Netherlands Friendship Day, visit burlington.ca/cnfd

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