“Don’t we want to be a part of the Calgary Stampede as the MCAC Group?” This bold and thought-provoking question, posed by Anitha, Vice President of the Malayalee Cultural Association of Calgary (MCAC) for the 2024–2025 term, sparked excitement and ambition within the Executive group and later within our community. The inquiry was grounded in a rich history that dated back decades.
In the 1970s, Malayalees in Calgary participated in the Calgary Stampede Parade, showcasing Kerala’s culture through traditional attire, folk dances, and music under the banner of the India Canada Association. This early involvement, though modest, left a lasting mark and set the stage for future cultural celebrations.
Fast forward to 2025: a pivotal year and a unique opportunity for reconnection and resurgence. The 2024-2025 MCAC Executive Committee embraced the challenge with a fervent spirit, driven by a shared vision of cultural representation. Spearheaded by the passionate leadership of Muhammed Rafeek and Anitha, along with a dedicated team of volunteers, they navigated the intricate logistics of preparations. This included meticulous planning for rehearsals, sourcing traditional costumes, coordinating cultural performances, and liaising with event organizers to ensure a seamless presentation.
On July 4th, 2025, history was made as Malayalees proudly marched in unison, representing our rich heritage as a cohesive cultural group under the MCAC banner during the Calgary Stampede Prelude Parade. This moment transcended mere participation; it became a powerful artistic statement of identity, pride, and community resilience. Our vibrant display of Kerala’s culture, featuring colourful costumes and traditional dances, resonated through the streets, leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed it. This triumphant return was not just a celebration of our past but also a bright beacon of our cultural legacy and unity for the future.
The Faces of the MCAC Team at the Parade on July 4th, 2025
MCAC Parade Coordinators
Anitha & Rafeek
Kathakali Artists
Anjana & Shanumon
Maveli & Vamanan
Mani & David
Theyyam
Bryan
Mohiniyattam
Nandana
Pulikali
Ilhan, Laiba, Rasin, Farhan & Rayan
Thaalam Girls & Women
Maya, Renji, Anjoom, Nia, Devnanda, Petia, Meenakshi, Meghana, Tamanna, Leema, Saanvi, Suvarnini & Savithri
Thiruvathira Team
Rini, Seema, Smitha, Adil, Farzana, Bindu, Kavitha & Sethu
Oppana Team
Reshmi, Nida, Divya, Sumimol, Thasni, Soumini, Fiza & Jasmin
Margam Kali Team
Sneha, Soniya, Rine, Ralsha, Priya, Jeffy, Diane & Divya
Kerala Nadanam
Indu, Sreedevi, Bhagyalakshmi, Indu J., Remya & Neha
Kalaripayattu
Nikhitha, Sivcharan & Gokul
Music, Refreshments & First Aid
Thouseef, Vivek & Lini
Banner Team
Prince & Vinil
Indian & Canadian Flag Bearers
Ranjith & Sandeep
Special Performance – Static Stampede Stage on July 3, 2025
In addition to marching through 6th Avenue on the opening Stampede Parade day, the MCAC group delivered a dynamic cultural showcase at the Static Stampede Performance Zone on Stephen Avenue earlier the same day — on July 3rd, 2025.
This stationary performance gave audiences a closer, more immersive experience of Kerala’s rich traditions. It featured a vibrant lineup of dance, drama, and martial art displays—each piece curated and choreographed to highlight the depth, color, and emotion of our heritage.
Spectators were treated to:
The grace of Thiruvathira (Kaikottikali) performed with precision and poise by Sneha, Soniya, Maria, Ralsha, Priya, Jeffy, Diane, Divya
And the Special Dance performances by our Youths Joan, Janine, Nicole, David, Hannah, Bryan, Celine, Aurav, Devnanda, Adithi, Ananya (Mohanlal hit), Ameya, Aradya (Koythu Paattu)
The Static Performance allowed for deeper engagement, giving Calgary residents and tourists a chance to see these ancient and modern expressions of Kerala culture up close—many for the first time.
It was a proud moment not just for MCAC.
Thank You Note
This was no ordinary parade but a moment of coming full circle.
To the Malayalees of the 1970s, who walked these very same streets during the India-Canada Association events, we honour you. You planted the seed, and we have carried it forward.
To the 2024–2025 MCAC Executive Committee, especially Rafeek and Anitha, the main coordinators for Stampede Parade, thank you for steering this dream with vision and determination.
To our artists and performers, every step you danced, every beat you played, and every costume you wore was a celebration of Kerala.
To our photographers, Ratheesh & Subash, thank you for capturing the event’s spirit.
To Jestin for providing speaker support—your efforts ensured that we were heard.
To the countless parents, spouses, families, and friends who supported us behind the scenes—this event could not have happened without you.
To the volunteers, including Sanoop and Santhosh, who took on the tough, often thankless jobs—thank you for having our backs.
Special thanks to Navas for the Instagram Promo Reels as well as Highlight Reels and to the very many that were present on the day on both sides of the parade route capturing the moments and sharing as well as tagging MCAC.
We didn’t just walk down 6th Avenue; we walked into history once again. This time, we did it together—proud, loud, and visible.
The 2025 Calgary Stampede wasn’t just a cultural event for us—it was a turning point. We stepped into the city’s biggest spotlight and showed not only who we are but also how proud we are to carry our roots into every space we enter.
This isn’t the end; it’s just the beginning.
The bar has been raised. The road is open. And MCAC is just getting started.
Here’s to tradition, visibility, and the next step forward—together.
With unity and pride,
The MCAC Executive Team 2024 – 2025
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