Multicultural festival gears up

Westman Multicultural Festival organizers made three major announcements on Tuesday afternoon at Brandon City Hall, while showcasing some of the region’s cultural diversity.

The group announced that Brandon will host Welcoming Week celebrations later this month, that a Global Café series will launch in October to create a regular meeting place and that the Westman Multicultural Festival will return in February 2026 with a new executive team.

Welcoming Week is an annual global movement that links up newcomers and immigrants with their new communities.

“It’s about building connections, celebrating diversity and strengthening the sense of belonging that makes Brandon special,” newly elected festival chair Enver Naidoo told the Sun.

“Brandon’s participation will spotlight the region’s welcoming spirit.”

The event, scheduled to take place at Stanley Park at 10 a.m. on Sept. 20, will feature cultural celebrations and provide opportunities to support settlement services and connect with immigrants, helping them integrate and thrive in the city.

The Global Café, which starts in October, will be a weekly gathering hosted at the Westman Multicultural Centre from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. It will offer themed evenings such as Rhythm and Roots Tuesdays, Language Corner Wednesdays, Café Meetups on Thursdays, and Taste of the World on the first Friday of each month.

“The Global Café is a space to meet, share stories and learn from one another,” Naidoo said. “Sometimes the best conversations happen unscripted and the best relationships develop organically.”

Naidoo also introduced the new executive team that will lead preparations for the 2026 Westman Multicultural Festival, scheduled for February.

Joining Naidoo are vice-chair Kerselin Fumier, representing the Mauritian Pavilion; treasurer Joseph Mamuric, representing the Philippines Pavilion; and secretary Hannah Stollery.

Naidoo said the team has already begun work to strengthen the festival and support existing pavilions while creating opportunities for new groups to join.

“The winter festival is one of the most anticipated events of the year,” he said. “It gives us a chance to explore food, dance and traditions from around the world, all right here at home.”

Tuesday’s event was not only about announcements. Guests were entertained with cultural performances that included Ethiopian, Latin American and energetic Nigerian dances and movement that brought the crowd to their feet.

Traditional refreshments such as empanadas, mangonadas, baklava and Ethiopian coffee added to the atmosphere, giving attendees a taste of the cultures represented.

Naidoo urged the community to continue celebrating multiculturalism in everyday life.

“These announcements are just the beginning,” he said. “The heart of this festival is the people, and together we are building a welcoming community where everyone belongs.”

Mayor Jeff Fawcett said he agreed with Naidoo that participating in the events promotes the city’s diversity.

“Brandon is stronger because of the people who choose to make it their family, and we’re committed to making sure they feel supported and included,” he said.

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