The Saint John Newcomers Centre, organizers of a major multicultural festival in Atlantic Canada, is exploring a revised approach to enhance inclusivity and celebrate the city’s diverse population while minimizing potential conflicts. Recent global events, notably the situation in Gaza, have tested the festival’s commitment to ensuring a welcoming, safe environment for all attendees.
The challenges faced by the festival were highlighted last year when Culturefest in the Valley, a related event in Rothesay and Quispamsis, was abruptly canceled just days before its scheduled start in September 2024 due to safety concerns. The 2025 festival in Saint John saw a youth arrested for an alleged assault and a man taken into custody for possible obstruction following incidents involving “Palestinian demonstrators” and an altercation at the Israel booth.
The festival faced scrutiny after reports of individuals wearing red bags over their heads and a person carrying what appeared to be a gun, later determined to be a water gun filled with red liquid. As of October 15, police indicated that the case was pending review by the Crown prosecutor’s office to determine potential charges.
In response to these incidents, the Newcomers Centre is considering adjustments to the festival format to emphasize unity and minimize the risk of future conflicts. During this year’s festival, a new initiative called the “Artistic Corner” was introduced, showcasing diverse artistic expressions such as hairstyling, beadwork, wreath-making, calligraphy, and paper-folding to promote cultural appreciation and understanding.
While the festival typically draws large crowds, the Valley event in September had a smaller turnout. Performances featured a range of cultural expressions, including Irish folk music, Syrian poetry, and Sudanese songs. Police presence was notable at the festival site, with marked cars and uniformed officers ensuring safety and providing reassurance to attendees.
The festival’s code of conduct prohibits overt political or religious displays, overseen by an advisory committee composed of community leaders committed to fostering cultural understanding in Saint John. Attendees like Ahmad Ibrahim have shared their experiences at the festival, emphasizing the opportunity to engage with diverse cultures and traditions.
Israeli participants, including Esti Barlevy, raised concerns about being excluded and facing potential confrontations at the festival. Barlevy highlighted restrictions on presenting Israeli symbols or city names at their booth and expressed disappointment over the handling of the situation. The Atlantic Jewish Council labeled the incident as a hate crime and called for a thorough investigation.
Looking ahead, festival organizers are reviewing feedback and planning for future editions of the event. The Newcomers Centre is engaging in consultations and surveys to inform decisions on how to enhance the festival experience for all participants.