Fourteen different pavilions offered up a special cultural experience to more than 40,000 residents who came out over the three-day event.

Chairs of the various pavilions were making note of the crowds of eager people continuously passing through the doors on opening night and throughout the weekend.

“It’s been way over our expectations,” said Manuel Alexander, co-chair of the Portugal pavilion.

“We had over 500 people come in (Friday) and we expect a few thousand more.”

Both Portugal and the popular Ukraine pavilion under-estimated the amount of visitors they would receive on the first night, running out of food and rushing to get more for the weekend.

Carabram president Angela Johnson, noted attendance appeared to be up and was extremely pleased with the turnout.

The Ukraine pavilion has become a hot spot for Carabram passport holders over the years, winning best overall in 2007 and four other times in previous years.

With their large venue and choreographed shows, many flock to take the culture in.

“We come every year for the past seven years,” said Patty Waters, who began her Carabram journey on Saturday afternoon.

“It’s always a good time and so interesting to see all the cultures, but I have to say, the Ukrainian pavilion, with their entertainment, is my favourite.”

The Ukrainian show combined story-telling with various dances and live music; all surrounding this year’s theme of Ukraine as the ‘bread basket of Europe’.

The hot Saturday weather helped with the Caribbean pavilion’s tropical motif.

Set in Cardinal Leger Secondary School, organizers invited visitors to take a cruise of the Caribbean islands, which includes the Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica and Cuba.

The gymnasium was transformed into a bustling traditional Caribbean marketplace complete with local crafts, hair braiding facilities and a steel drum band.

Over on the north side of the city, the Myanmar pavilion helped educate people on the recent cyclone that ravaged the small nation this year.

A water fountain centerpiece showing a small canoe-like boat, surrounded by plants and flowers, struck an emotional note for organizers and patrons alike.

“I have a sister back in Myanmar who has lost her home in the cyclone,” said pavilion chair Patricia Yi Yi Mya, wiping away tears. “She’s ok, but they struggle.”

Donations for the victims were being accepted through the sale of plants, balloons and incense sticks.

On Saturday evening at the Hawaiian pavilion, Mayor Susan Fennell looked on as dancers shook their hula skirts to a loud beating drum.

“Wasn’t that amazing?” said Fennell, who admitted her favourite part of the festival is the entertainment.

“I love Carabram! We’re all enjoying each other’s cultures and dances and exhibits and foods, but most of all, I’m enjoying the smiles on people’s faces and seeing the hard work the volunteers have put into this.”

Cheques for $2,000 from Mayor Fennell were on display at each of the pavilion locations.

“I’m so proud to be part of the Carabram celebration,” said Fennell.

The final day of Carabram brought better weather and Canadian Olympic gold medalist for women’s hockey, Lori Dupuis, out.

The maple bacon was frying and the beer was flowing over at the Canadian pavilion, where Dupuis joined in the singing of the Canadian national anthem on Sunday afternoon.

“I am very proud to live in such a multicultural city like Brampton. This is my first Carabram and it’s a great experience to celebrate all the different cultures in Canada,” said Dupuis.

Thanks in large part to the mayor’s efforts, the Canadian pavilion is back for it’s second year after a temporary hiatus. 

Sunday, celebrations began to wind down at the Italian pavilion as Brampton’s citizen of the year, John Cutruzzola, joined friend and fellow tenor Tony Milioto, on stage for an operatic performance.

“Have you tried the food?” asked Cutruzzola prior to his performance.

Italy was serving up several traditional dishes including lasagna, cannelloni, meatballs and pizza.

And don’t forget the tables of tempting Italian desserts.

“All homemade. That’s the trick!” said Italy’s head Carabram chef for the past 25 years Nick D’Alimonte.

Judging of all the pavilions also took place over the weekend.

A panel of eight volunteer judges moved across the city enjoying all the festival had to offer.

“It’s such a wonderful experience,” said Wayne Waters who is now in his second year as Carabram judge.

Waters admits it’s not always an easy job.

“I like where a lot of the pavilions are going this year, so it is hard. Also, they want to feed you! By the end of Sunday night, I am popping a lot of Xantax!”

Head Carabram judge Ann Murphy is now tallying the results to see who will win out in the five categories: best food, best atmosphere/decor, best entertainment, best culture and of course, best overall.

Winners will be announced next Friday at an awards banquet at Terry Miller Recreation Centre.