If it is true that a picture is worth 1000 words, I suppose I could’ve just posted the photo that I've included below, and written nothing; hmmm, now that I think of it, I probably could've gotten away with that strategy at least a couple of times in school when the last thing I wanted to was write a 3000- or 5000-word essay just ‘cause it was assigned..... I could maybe have submitted 3 or 5 pictures instead?!
If you aren't familiar with Edmonton's annual Deep Freeze Festival (but want to be, even just a little), here is a very small excerpt from the Festival's website (http://www.deepfreezefest.ca/about/):
The Deep Freeze Byzantine Winter Festival is a free family event that brings together Ukrainian, Franco-Albertan, Franco-African, Indigenous, and Acadian/East Coast communities to revel in the magic and beauty of winter. Come embrace our cold northern climate by melding artistic panache with authentic cultural and heritage winter games!
I love how four city blocks along the span of an avenue that is normally busy with vehicle traffic, gets transformed into several sites for indoor and outdoor activities, performances, competitions, and displays. While I enjoy the cultural programming and activities within Pipon Village, plus of course chatting with others while warming up by the benches and fire outside the tipis, I also like to "capture" the beauty of the tipis themselves, through photography. (Having said that, I honestly do not think that any photo could ever fully capture the beauty and essence of a tipi). (And yes, I'm sure some people would debate that last statement!) (Others might just comment on my use of parentheses.)
Alright, so bright, multicolour lighting is not "traditional," (and no, gatherings in tipis for storytelling, teachings or ceremonies don't traditionally involve metal folding chairs either).... But the glow from the fire, combined with the different hues from various lights near the tipis, along with the chairs by the fire inside the tipi still in place where people sat and shared earlier, all made for compelling photo moments. It was a lot of fun to watch others enjoy the lit-up landscape and pose for pics with their friends and families. I happily took pictures of people when they wanted my assistance, but of course there was quite a contingent of, "selfie-with-tipi-backdrop," photographers!
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