This year's Family Day wasn't just about spending time with loved ones, but also about celebrating the diverse cultures that make up the Greater Victoria cultural mosaic.
The Welcome Day Celebration & Newcomer Expo 2025 took place on Feb. 17 at Saanich Commonwealth Place.
The annual event, organized by the District of Saanich, Here Magazine and Le Relais Francophone, aims to foster a sense of belonging by bringing together community organizations, service providers, and residents.
Ximena Londono, co-founder of the event, said it started 10 years ago as a way to connect the Island’s Francophone community. Over the years, the expo has evolved into a full-fledged multicultural celebration.
She highlighted the importance of providing safe spaces for newcomers, celebrating Canadian multiculturalism, and promoting community-building.
“The goal of the event is really for the community to welcome their immigrants and refugees and help them make relationships,” she said. “The beauty of the event is that we’re bringing all these cultures together and offering a safe space for everyone to mingle and… share their culture.”
Performances by the Japanese percussion group Uminari Taiko followed by the Lekwungen Traditional Dancers, kickstarted the event.
Afterward, attendees had the chance to connect with local organizations and community resources, enjoy cultural performances and cuisine, and shop from newcomer artisans.
Among the 30 booths at the event, Semgn Dessalegn was serving traditional Ethiopian food to attendees.
Born and raised in Ethiopia, the mother of three sought refuge in Uganda before immigrating to Canada in 2016, hoping to give her family a better future.
The Victoria resident now hopes to share her passion for cooking and love of her culture with Islanders.
“In the future, I want to open my own restaurant,” said Dessalegn. “I see people love Ethiopian food.”
Using food as a means to connect with her community and Canadian culture, Dessalegn hopes to send a positive message and empower other immigrants to engage and contribute.
“I have many friends, like single moms, who don’t speak English. They often say that they can't be in front of people like today, but I'm here representing others who English is their second language,” she said. “I'm showing people that I can do it, as a woman.”
Although immigrating to a new country comes with its challenges, the Ethiopian woman said Canadian hospitality helped her transition smoothly into her new life.
“Canadians are really helpful,” she said. “Most of the time, if I don't know where I'm going, I'll just say, ‘Excuse me, can you please show me this place?’ [and people will] sometimes follow me until I reach that place.”
Nearby Dessalegn’s booth, student and entrepreneur Alejandra Paola Ochoa from Jalisco, Mexico, proudly showcased her handmade jewelry, including necklaces and bracelets.
“All the material is from Mexico,” said Ochoa. “It’s a hobby, but at the same time, it's something that helps me a lot with my mental health. It helps me a lot to control my anxiety and to survive away from my family.”
Similar to Dessalegn, Ochoa faced her share of challenges on her journey. Despite being away from her loved ones, she said the move was for the better and she appreciated the warm welcome she received from the country she now calls home.
“We just have one life and we have to discover different countries and places,” she said. “I'm so happy to be here. Canada is an amazing country. It’s friendly and very open.”
For more pictures of the event, visit the instagram.com/welcomecelebrationexpo.
