Festival adds Nigerian, Palestinian pavilions

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The latest edition of the Westman Multicultural Festival — an annual event celebrating different cultures, regionally and from around the world — will be held from Feb. 6 to 8, and will host two new pavilions this year, from Nigeria and Palestine.

In its 16th year, this year’s festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of heritage, with 12 pavilions representing cultures from around the world, Westman Multicultural Festival Society treasurer Sandy Donald told the Sun.

“We are excited about the growing number of participants,” he said on Friday.

“After a pandemic-induced hiatus, the festival resumed last year with six pavilions and this year’s expansion to 12 signals the community’s strong commitment to showcasing its multicultural roots.”

Donald highlighted the event’s long-standing popularity as a winter tradition in Brandon, noting the general public’s high expectations and the festival’s history of positive reviews.

The treasurer added that preparations for the festival are in full swing, with organizers ensuring that all logistical and regulatory requirements are met.

Donald also detailed the support provided to pavilion co-ordinators, such as liaising with health and fire departments and assisting with liquor licence applications.

“With weeks to go, the planning process is nearly complete, and pavilions are gearing up to offer unique cultural experiences,” he added.

A new addition to the festival, he explained, is a downloadable passport available on the event’s website — pavilions.com.

“Visitors can collect stamps from each pavilion, adding an interactive element to the experience. True to tradition, the festival remains free of charge, ensuring accessibility for all attendees,” he added.

The addition of the Nigeria and Palestine pavilions marks an exciting milestone for the festival, Emmanuel Akobi, the lead co-ordinator for the Nigerian pavilion told the Sun.

He described the journey of bringing Nigeria’s rich culture to the forefront “as a dream come true for him.”

Despite time constraints and logistical challenges, Akobi and his team have been “working diligently” to prepare performances, food offerings and other cultural displays. While he acknowledged modest expectations for this first outing, he emphasized the pavilion’s commitment to delivering an authentic representation of Nigerian culture.

Each pavilion will offer a distinct cultural experience, with locations spread across the city, Donald added.

The Nigeria pavilion will be hosted at the ANAVETS hall located at 31 14th St., while the Jamaica pavilion can be found at the Fire Hall Event Venue at 637 Princess Ave. The Ukraine pavilion will be located at the National Ukrainian Hall on 1133 Stickney Ave., and the El Salvador pavilion will set up in the North End Community Centre at 1313 Stickney Ave.

The Philippines pavilion will be situated at the Knox United Church (451 18th St.), the Colombia pavilion will be hosted at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall (560 13th St. East), and the Mauritius pavilion at the Westman Immigrant Services Multicultural Hall (403 13th St.). The India pavilion will be located in Salon A at the Victoria Inn, and the Scottish pavilion at the Imperial Ballroom of the Victoria Inn. The Palestine pavilion will be hosted at the Backyard on Aberdeen (1624 13th St.).

The society, Donald added, is optimistic about holding a successful event, with hopes for co-operative weather and enthusiastic participation.

“We have confidence in the festival’s ability to meet expectations, as each pavilion fosters cultural exchange and representation,” Donald said.

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