Nova Scotia Kitchen Party

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have all been experiencing the fatigue of social distancing, being away from those we enjoy spending time with. Though restrictions have opened to what we now refer to as a ‘bubble,’ large gatherings are still not permitted. This has inevitably caused much-loved events to be postponed or cancelled. Traditions of gathering with large, at-times rowdy groups of friends, family, and strangers, have all been put on pause. The spirit of such traditions, however, has remained alive for many here in Nova Scotia since the very start of quarantine in March 2020.

The Ultimate Online Nova Scotia Kitchen Party COVID-19 Edition Facebook group (UONSKP) has been steadily gaining momentum since it was first created on March 19, 2020. Following the shutdown of many businesses, and a mandate by the government regarding safe distancing, the group served as a space to highlight the resiliency of many Nova Scotians and offered a place to support each other from afar. As an online recreation of the classic East Coast kitchen party, the videos of music shared amongst the group quickly became a hit with those who hold Nova Scotia near and dear to their hearts.

Videos of families playing music, with some playing instruments like guitar, fiddle and even spoons, breathed life and hope into many of our lives once again. Given the uncertainty of the pandemic, many felt it was nice to keep this tradition alive, albeit looking a little different from usual. If anything, the online format has given the traditional gatherings a broader audience, and has allowed more people to enjoy them. Some who have moved away from home have said that seeing so many people become involved has cured their homesickness, and allowed them to connect with their East Coast roots again.

As the description promises, the idea of the Kitchen Party did indeed clear up some of the pandemic fatigue we are all surely experiencing. The Facebook group is poised to clear up some of the “doom and gloom” on all of our Facebook feeds, and wished to flood them with kindhearted music and fun. No matter your musical abilities, the UONSKP offers a space to connect, and enjoy some long overdue party vibes from the comfort of your own home. Grab your bubble, grab some food, and sit down to enjoy – or dance it out – to performances from some friendly faces around Nova Scotia, or abroad.