Multicultural festival returns with 11 pavilions

The Westman Multicultural Festival returns to Brandon this week to connect thousands of visitors for three days of cultural celebration across the city.

In its 17th year, the festival is one of the largest celebrations of culture in the region, with 11 cultural pavilions confirmed for Feb. 5-7 — an increase from 10 last year, chair Enver Naidoo, who is leading the event for the first time, told the Sun on Friday.

“We’re expecting to see 11 cultural pavilions hosted by local cultural communities,” Naidoo said. “This year, we’ve seen the return of the Mexico and the Métis pavilions, which is really exciting.”

Naidoo said the number of pavilions can fluctuate year to year, as they are run by volunteer groups, but the festival continues to grow. While not every cultural group has a pavilion this year, organizers are working to create space for broader participation, both now and in the future, he said.

The festival kicks off Thursday evening at the Westman Multicultural Centre with an opening event featuring an official welcome, light refreshments and cultural performances. Space for the 8 p.m. show will be available on a first-come basis, and full schedules and pavilion locations are posted online, Naidoo said.

In past years, the festival has drawn more than 25,000 people over the three-day run. Organizers expect similar attendance this year.

Beyond celebration, Naidoo said the festival has a wider impact, too.

“It supports cultural inclusion, drives local economic activity and strengthens community connections across the region,” he said. “The festival is made possible through support from all levels of government, as well as corporate and community sponsors.”

Visitors will once again be able to take part in the popular pavilion passport program, collecting stamps at each pavilion for a chance to win prizes, while encouraging people to explore multiple cultural experiences. Volunteers also remain essential to the festival’s success, with opportunities ranging from greeting visitors to supporting pavilions behind the scenes, Naidoo said.

Among the returning pavilions, the India pavilion is expanding both its cultural representation and its menu.

This year marks a significant step forward, with deeper collaboration among Indian communities in Brandon, pavilion general manager Gautam Srivastava told the Sun.

“All of the major Indian communities that are here are now represented,” Srivastava said. “That’s almost an emotional moment for me, because I’ve always wanted that for the India pavilion.”

The pavilion will feature performances representing different regions of India, alongside the refreshed food menu. Familiar favourites such as butter chicken, samosas and naan will return, joined by new additions including handi paneer — a spiced cheese dish traditionally prepared in clay or metal pots — and expanded Indian street food offerings. Mango lassi, a popular drink from last year, will also make a comeback.

The India pavilion will be located in the Grand Salon at the Victoria Inn and typically draws between 5,000 and 6,000 visitors over the three days.

Mexico is also making a much-anticipated return after sitting out last year’s festival. Mexican pavilion chair Carlos Muñoz said the pavilion is coming back with a full slate of performances and entertainment.

One highlight includes a musical tribute to Selena by singer Brenda Gonzalez, who will travel from British Columbia to perform. A dance group from Saskatoon will also make its first appearance at the pavilion.

“We’re going to have four shows on Thursday, four on Friday and seven on Saturday,” Muñoz said.

The Mexican pavilion will be hosted at the Shrine Club on 10th Street and will feature “authentic dishes” and drinks from different regions of Mexico, with food drawn from the menu of Mariachi Mexican Tacos and Cantina.

“The shows will be dynamic and interactive, with after-parties featuring live DJs on Friday and Saturday nights,” Muñoz said.

Like many pavilions, the Mexican pavilion is still seeking volunteers, which Muñoz described as key to the success of the event.

The Filipino pavilion is also expanding its offerings this year, Westman Filipino Community president and festival treasurer Joseph Mamuric told the Sun.

In addition to dance performances, the pavilion will feature local bands, choirs and cultural presentations from Indigenous groups from the Philippines.

“We’re hoping to expand people’s ideas of what Filipino culture looks like,” Mamuric said.

The pavilion, located at Knox United Church, will serve traditional dishes such as chicken adobo and stir-fried noodles, alongside new drink options including Filipino beers, cocktails and mocktails made with spirits from the Philippines.

The venue can host about 100 people at a time and typically sees between 1,000 and 1,500 visitors per day.

Mamuric said volunteer recruitment remains a challenge across pavilions, along with limited access to commercial kitchens in the city. He said addressing those issues could help ensure the festival’s continued growth.

At its core, Mamuric said the festival is about more than food and performances.

“It adds vibrancy to the city, but it’s also an economic driver,” he said. “It helps cultural groups support their own communities while sharing their traditions with everyone.”

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

The Nigerian and Hispanic Association of Manitoba pavilions will be hosted at the WIS Multicultural Centre at 403 13th St. The Ukrainian pavilion will be in the National Ukrainian Hall at 1133 Stickney Ave. and the El Salvador pavilion will be 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 at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall (560 13th St. East) and the Métis pavilion at the Manitoba Métis Federation (656 Sixth St.).

The India pavilion will be located in the Grand Salon at the Victoria Inn and the Scottish pavilion in the Imperial Ballroom of the Victoria Inn. The Palestine pavilion will be hosted at the Backyard on Aberdeen (1624 13th St.) and the Mexican pavilion at the Shrine Club (1110 McTavish Ave. East).

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