The Westman Multicultural Festival takes place this weekend (February 1-3, 2018) in Brandon at various locations throughout the city. This year’s festival includes two new Pavilions: India & Mexico, The Metis Pavilion will be returning after taking a brief hiatus for one year. A map of the pavilions can be found at this link.
English: Victoria Inn (3550 Victoria Inn)
Entertainment includes cover band the Beetles and the Village Green Morris Dancers. The menu includes “Authentic English Pug Grub” like bangers & mash with veggies and gravy, meat pies, apple crumble and custard, and blackberry crumble and custard. A number of English beers, cider, martinis & English cocktails will be among the alcohol served.
Honduras: Ukrainian Reading Hall (1005 Assiniboine Ave)
Pupusas & Baleadas are on the menu and alcohol is not served. This will mark their 3rd year participating in the festival. Performers in colorful costumes serve as the entertainment every hour with each show lasting 24 minutes.
India: North End Community Centre (1313 Stickney Ave)
This year will mark their first year at the festival. Entertainment includes various types and ages of dance groups. Butter Chicken with Rice and Naan, Chickpea curry with Rice and Naan, and Gelabi are the featured eats. While they will not serve alcohol there will be a selection of soft drinks.
Ireland: Clarion Hotel & Suites (3130 Victoria Ave)
One of more popular Pavilions they serve a wide array of alcohol including beer (Guinness, Harp, Kilkenny, + more), whiskey (Bushmills, Jameson, + more) and liquor (Bailey’s Irish Cream, Irish coffee, Rum, Vodka). Irish Stew, scones & biscuits and a variety of desserts will be available if you get hungry while watching the live music and dance offered at this Pavilion.
Metis : WMCA (205-20th Street)
In their first year back, after taking a brief hiatus for one year, they will be serving up an extensive menu of food items including: bannock, bison stew, elk smokies, bison smokies/burgers and rice pudding. The Metis Pavilion will offer a variety of Metis Culture through the sharing of traditional music, dance, & food.
Mexican: Brandon Shrine Club (1110 McTavish Ave E)
“The Mexican Pavilion will showcase the Mexican culture with traditional dancers, music and cultural displays”. Entertainment is coming all the way from Cancun, Mexico for this event. Traditional food and drinks like pozole soup, tamales (pork / chicken), tacos (veggie / beef / pork), Mexican beer, classic margaritas, and tequila shots will be served throughout the three days.
Philippine: St. Mattews Church (403-13th St)
“The Philippine/Filipino Pavilion will be the mirror of the Filipino culture and traditions, a showcase of talent in music and dance.” In addition to dance performances a band will also be performing at the end of each hour to give you a taste of Original Filipino Music. Alcohol will not be served however they do have a really extensive food menu to chose from including: Pancit (stir-fried noodles with chicken & veggies), Chicken Adobo (chicken cooked in vinegar and soy sauce), steamed rice, spring rolls and for dessert Buko Pandan (dessert with coconut, jello, tapioca pearls and milk).
Scottish: Victoria Inn (3550 Victoria Ave)
Haggis Pie with Neeps & Taties (turnips & potatoes) and meat pies are on the menu as well as a shortbread for dessert. The Scotch Corner Bar will be serving Scottish beers & whisky. Entertainment includes solo and band performances, rock bands, and traditional dancers. Now in their 14th year in the festival the Scottish Pavilion will have you tapping your toes to the lively tunes of the fiddle, and singing along to some old favourites.
Ukrainian: Ukrainian National Home (1133 Stickney Avenue)
Who doesn’t love perogies, borscht, cabbage rolls, and koubassa? Entertained scheduled for the weekend includes 100 Dancers from Brandon Troyanda School of Ukrainian Dance, The Stykalo’s & Co., Ukrainian-Canadian Association Tryzub & other bands to be announced. They will also be serving alcohol including beer and vodka imported from the Ukraine as well as vodka, rye, rum, scotch, beer, wine & coolers.
For additional information on the festival please follow this link.
