The Westman Multicultural Festival energized Brandon on Saturday with a lively celebration of cultural diversity, featuring a vibrant mix of music, dance, and delicious food. The event, which took place across several pavilions, provided a unique opportunity for attendees to explore the rich heritages of various cultures through performances, traditional attire, and authentic cuisine.
Jamaican Pavilion: A Taste of the Caribbean
At the Historic Firehall Event Centre, the Jamaican Pavilion captured the essence of the Caribbean with its vibrant colors, lively reggae and jazz music, and traditional dishes. Hosts, dressed in yellow, black, and green, greeted visitors with warmth and enthusiasm. The Yaadies Family Band from Steinbach performed reggae classics, captivating the crowd with their infectious rhythms.
Festival-goers enjoyed Jamaican delicacies, including fried plantains, patties, rice and peas, and jerk chicken. Attendees, such as Leora Elliot, praised the food for its authenticity, with Elliot recalling how the jerk chicken reminded her of a trip to Jamaica. “It was so good that I took some home,” she said.
Tashiba Henlon, secretary of the Westman Jamaica Community, expressed excitement at returning to the festival after a COVID-19 hiatus. “People missed the Jamaican flavor, and they were eager to experience our food and live performances again,” she shared.
Nigeria Makes Its Debut
The Nigerian Pavilion made a strong debut at the festival, marking its first year of participation. Hosted at the Army, Navy, and Air Force Veterans Hall, the event featured traditional Nigerian attire and rhythmic dancing that drew a large crowd. Attendees were welcomed by vibrant performances and the sounds of African drumming.
Guests were also treated to traditional Nigerian cuisine, including jollof rice, egusi soup, and semolina pudding. Event coordinator Emmanuel Akobi noted the overwhelming response, with over 1,500 people attending on Friday and even more expected on Saturday. “We wanted to showcase Nigeria’s rich culture, and the turnout exceeded our expectations,” he said.
Indian Pavilion: A Colorful Display of Tradition
At the Victoria Inn, the Indian Pavilion showcased a dazzling display of traditional attire, regional performances, and cultural rituals. Guests enjoyed Henna tattoos, a popular tradition in Indian celebrations, while indulging in a variety of Indian dishes like butter chicken, paneer curry, and samosas.
Pal Brar, event lead, shared how the Indian community in Brandon has grown since the pavilion’s inception in 2018. “We’ve gone from a small event to a consistently packed pavilion,” Brar said. She highlighted the importance of the festival, noting that despite financial challenges, it brings warmth and joy to the community during the winter months.
Scottish Pavilion: A Triumphant Return
After a five-year break, the Scottish Pavilion made a grand return at the Victoria Inn’s Grand Ballroom. The event saw a full-capacity crowd, with many attendees standing due to the overwhelming turnout. Performances included the Suzuki Tour Group, made up of young musicians aged 4 to 18, and the 26th Field Regiment Pipes & Drums, both of which received a standing ovation.
Westman Scottish Association President Sarah-Jane Speers expressed her delight at the pavilion’s success. “We’ve reached full capacity, and it’s wonderful to see people so excited to have us back,” she said. An estimated 2,000 people visited the Scottish Pavilion over the two-day event.
Other Cultural Pavilions
In addition to the Jamaican, Nigerian, Indian, and Scottish pavilions, visitors also explored pavilions representing Ukraine, El Salvador, Colombia, Mauritius, Palestine, and the Philippines. Each pavilion offered unique cultural experiences, including music, dance, and traditional dishes, highlighting the diverse fabric of Brandon’s community.
A Reflection of Brandon’s Multicultural Spirit
The Westman Multicultural Festival’s success is a testament to the vibrant multicultural spirit that thrives in Brandon. Kerselin Fumier, event coordinator for the Westman Multicultural Festival Society, summed it up perfectly: “Each pavilion transported visitors to a different part of the world through music, dance, fashion, and cuisine.”
The festival not only celebrated the rich cultural diversity of Brandon but also brought the community together in a joyous and meaningful way.
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