A vibrant multicultural festival in southeastern Manitoba unites communities by highlighting diverse traditions. Held at the Pat Porter Active Living Centre in Steinbach, Culturama has expanded from a three-day event six years ago into a six-day celebration.
Festival Growth and Diversity
Pat Porter Active Living Centre executive director Audrey Harder notes that the festival initially focused on prominent local groups like the Filipino and Ukrainian communities. “We are such a diverse community, and I don’t think people realize it,” Harder says. “My goal was to see community gather and accept and understand and just grow.”
Since its start, additional groups have joined, allowing visitors to experience cultures from Ukraine, the Philippines, South Korea, Nigeria, Brazil, India, and Cuba—all without leaving Steinbach.
Volunteer Stories and Cultural Sharing
Ruth Olorunfemi, volunteering with the Nigerian group for her second year, moved to Steinbach from Nigeria three years ago to join family. “Since we are from different parts of the world, we come to be in Canada here just to express our own nationality, how our traditions work,” Olorunfemi says while arranging a floral display. “That’s what Culturama is all about.”
Steinbach already feels like home due to its welcoming atmosphere, she adds. Last year, Olorunfemi enjoyed discovering Fijian customs and cuisine. “It’s a unique way to let them know how you were brought up, how you can teach them where you are from, how they can learn from you … and try to learn from their culture also,” she explains. Olorunfemi hopes the event continues to expand with more groups.
Harder draws inspiration from larger festivals but emphasizes Culturama’s local appeal. “I see it as an opportunity for the community to unite and become one. No matter where you’re from, who you are, you love your neighbour,” she states. “At the end of the day, that understanding is there, that love is there, and we become one as a community.”
Immersive Experiences and Community Response
Program co-ordinator Carla Walker shares how presenting groups often provide traditional attire. On one evening, she donned a hanbok—a traditional South Korean garment worn by a participant at her wedding. “It was quite an honour to be able to do that,” Walker recalls. “I thanked her and said what an honour it was. She had said to me, ‘It was quite an honour for us, for you to do that.'”
Walker aims for attendees to feel transported to the featured countries. “It’s been a really beautiful response from the community each night,” she says. “We’ve been just packed in our gym, and I’ve been really excited about that.”
Tickets sell out nearly every night, with proceeds supporting the groups’ costs for food and other expenses. Surplus funds carry over to fund future festivals. The event wraps up with a showcase of Cuban culture on the final night.
