Naija Market brings vibrant African market experience to Winnipeg

African culture took centre stage at a Winnipeg market this weekend.

A lively celebration of African culture returned to Winnipeg this weekend as Naija Market Day brought the sights, sounds, and tastes of a traditional African market to The Forks.

Held Saturday at the CN Stage and Field, the event featured Afrobeat music, Nigerian and African food vendors, and a vibrant atmosphere reflecting markets commonly found across Africa.

Originally launched in Winnipeg last year, Naija Market Day has since grown in popularity, expanding to cities across Canada, including Brandon, Edmonton, Calgary, and Brampton.

“We’ve gotten awards and recognitions from different provinces, and it’s just amazing how people have missed our kind of markets and how they’re really warming up to it,” said Abiodun Adetu, the event coordinator.

Adetu emphasized the family-friendly nature of the event, describing it as more than just a marketplace.

“You see kids running around the market — they’re playing, they’re eating — they’re doing all sorts. That’s what we’re trying to exemplify here: where everybody’s having fun and coming together. You aren’t just shopping, you’re exchanging culture with us.”

This year’s Winnipeg market featured around 100 vendors and nearly 20 community organizations.

Naija Market Day will next head to Brandon, where the event is scheduled to take place at Princess Park on Saturday, July 19.