Once again, the Hispanic community in Manitoba gathered in large numbers, this time with a different purpose: to connect as a business community. On September 21, 2024, the Manitoba Hispanic Show was held — the largest Hispanic networking event in the province of Manitoba.
The event was born from a clear observation. “In my first years in this city, I saw many events, but I noticed that each country hosted its own celebrations separately. There was no diversity in the events organized by different national associations, and most of them were recreational parties rather than professional gatherings. So I decided to connect the community,” shares Jhocelin Gilbert, founder of La Paila Canada and organizer of the event.
Jhocelin began attending every event and publishing the activities of each Spanish-speaking association on her social media channels, encouraging others to do the same. She made many Colombian, Mexican, and Peruvian friends along the way and began visiting local businesses, creating free videos, and supporting their services — but the effort eventually became unsustainable without a formal framework.
The first networking event was organized in 2022 as a gathering for Hispanic business owners and entrepreneurs to connect with the community and showcase their products and services. Thanks to the support of several local businesses, the event was free for smaller vendors. It attracted 32 businesses and around 160 attendees — a success that inspired a larger second edition.
In 2023, the event grew to approximately 300 attendees. In 2024, organizers sought an even bigger venue to accommodate the growing demand — and still exceeded 500 attendees, setting a new record. Next year’s edition will require an even larger space.
The Hispanic community in Winnipeg, Manitoba, continues to grow and stand out among other communities, achieving remarkable milestones through unity, entrepreneurship, and collaboration. The Manitoba Hispanic Show is now a beloved tradition and a testimony to the power of community building. Follow La Paila Canada on Instagram at @la.paila.canada.