Are you looking for something exciting to do this winter? Well, you might want to consider attending Calgary’s annual winter festival known formally as “Chinook Blast”, which runs from January 27th to Feb 12th for 2023.
A Little Bit of Background History
When hearing “Chinook Blast” many people may wonder what “chinook” actually means, as it is a very particular word. Well, to explain it briefly, the word chinook means a warm and dry wind that travels down the Eastern parts of the Rocky Mountains. But it is also important to mention that the chinook is an indigenous term used by the Blackfoot nation which means “snow eater”.
The idea of “Chinook Blast” goes back to November of 2019 when the idea was to form a community event to strengthen the bonds between Calgarians and to celebrate our society and culture engagingly. However, due to the current ongoing Covid-19 Pandemic, the event has struggled to gain traction in the past years. One of the hopes for this festival was that it would grow tourism in Calgary but it seems as though we have yet to see that. But not to worry, with covid restrictions being less tight, Chinook Blast is expecting more appreciation this year. After all, 3rd time’s a charm!
Franca Gualtieri, the Tourism Calgary Executive director of this event stated in an article from Montreal Gazette saying “We look forward to having our downtown as full as possible and to bring life to it. And I think as it grows, it’s becoming that yearly event that people are looking forward to,”
What to Expect
Ironically, it looks like Chinook Blast really will start with a blast because starting from January 27th, a live concert will be held with Sunglaciers, K-Ritz, and The Rondel Roberts Band (presented by BIG Winter Classic, Block Heater and Ethnik Festivals) front and centre. And from the 28th, prepare to be amazed by shows that display impressive feats of ice skating and other winter activities.
But the fun doesn’t just stop there- if you can attend some of the events this year, expect to see many more events related to the celebration of indigenous culture, sports, music, fashion, the fine arts, and much more.
The many events being hosted by Chinook Blast will be located downtown, specifically through Stephen Avenue to the Olympic Plaza, and finally, to East Village. All areas listed will be extravagantly decorated and have art displays, and pop-up performances being hosted! Additionally, as it is winter and Canadian weather is known to be harsh, there will be accommodating services for both indoor and outdoor activities in case of a temperature drop- so dress warm but don’t be discouraged to attend because of the weather.
So it seems that Calgary will become a city of lights, and this winter might be a little warmer than the ones before. I don’t know about you, but from everything I’ve seen so far, I think I will have to see this festival for myself.
But, if you aren’t convinced to attend yet, you can try visiting chinookblast.ca and check out some of the festivities for yourself!
References
“Chinook Blast 2023 Releases Full Schedule.” Chinook Blast, January 12, 2023. https://www.chinookblast.ca/chinook-blast-blowing-in/.
Hunt, Stephen. “Chinook Blast to Celebrate Winter in Downtown Calgary.” Calgary. CTV News, January 12, 2023. https://calgary.ctvnews.ca/chinook-blast-to-celebrate-winter-in-downtown-calgary-1.6228470.
Sylvester, Krista. “Chinook Blast Lights up Calgary’s Downtown Core with Electrifying …” Montreal Gazette. Montreal Gazette, January 12, 2023. https://montrealgazette.com/sponsored/travel-sponsored/chinook-blast-lights-up-calgarys-downtown-core-with-electrifying-winter-festival.
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