Around the world in four hours at Altona Cultural Fest tomorrow

Regional Connections gathering for the Sunflower Festival Parade

Altona residents will have a chance to travel the world without leaving town Saturday as Regional Connections brings Cultural Fest to The Community Exchange.

The event runs from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3, and will celebrate cultures represented in the Altona community through displays, music, dance, children’s activities, and opportunities to learn from local families.

Hilde Ramirez, Regional Connections site lead in Altona, said visitors will receive a passport they can take to cultural tables representing Nigeria, Venezuela, Mexico, the Philippines, India, Scotland, Congo, and Central Africa.

Participants can learn about traditions, geography, and other aspects of each culture before receiving a stamp in their passport. Completed passports can then be entered into draws for donated gift baskets, gift cards, and children’s prizes.

Music, dance, and activities

Live entertainment is planned from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., including music from people representing Nigeria, Venezuela, and Mexico, as well as dance performances representing India, Venezuela, and Congo.

Families can also expect face painting and temporary tattoos for children, along with coffee, hot chocolate, cookies, and snacks.

This year’s event marks a change for Cultural Fest. Ramirez said it has previously been held during the Manitoba Sunflower Festival, but organizers decided to move the celebration indoors and hold it separately.

“I think it’s going to be good,” Ramirez said. “It’s a big community connection event.”

Creating connections in Altona

For Paloma Morales, a Settlement Worker in Schools with Regional Connections in Altona, the celebration is an opportunity for newcomers and longtime residents to get to know one another.

Morales works with newcomer families and their children as they navigate the school system and adjust to life in a new community. Ramirez helps newcomers access services such as health care, child benefits, housing programs, and Rent Assist.

Morales said Cultural Fest gives immigrant families an opportunity to share where they come from while building connections with their neighbours.

“Then we have children and some family, they feel, this is my culture, come here, know me, and maybe you can learn something about us,” Morales said. “And we can learn something about you.”

She emphasized the event is meant for the entire community.

“It’s not only for us, it’s for the Altona community.”

Cultural Fest runs from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at The Community Exchange in Altona, with live performances scheduled between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.