Upofest 2025: Winnipeg’s Festival of Gourds Brings Community Together

This year’s Upofest looked a little different—but the spirit remained as vibrant as ever. Instead of a backyard or outdoor venue, the fifth annual celebration of upo (bottle gourds) was held inside a local gymnasium. The change of setting didn’t dampen the energy; in fact, it gave the festival a lively, playful atmosphere that left everyone smiling.

The highlight wasn’t only the impressive gourds on display but also the entertainment that carried the event along. Karaoke kept the room buzzing with music and laughter, while the master of ceremonies added a creative twist. Each prize category was introduced with the excitement of a boxing match, complete with a booming “let’s get ready to rumble!” that had the crowd cheering and clapping. It turned the awards into a performance, blending competition with pure fun.

From children singing into the mic to grandparents proudly watching the weigh-ins and measurements, the intergenerational joy was undeniable. Families cheered for their neighbours as loudly as they did for their own, proving once again that Upofest is about far more than who grew the heaviest or longest gourd. It’s about pride, community, and celebrating together.

The festival also shone a spotlight on community builders like artist Maria Salceda, whose generosity and creative spirit have inspired many. Volunteers from Community204, guided by their passionate leader Leila Castro, ensured the event ran smoothly from start to finish. Castro’s tireless efforts have made Upofest not only a Filipino cultural highlight but one of Winnipeg’s most unique and cherished festivals.

It’s hard to believe this event began just five years ago, during the isolation of the pandemic. What started in a single backyard on Bannatyne Avenue with gourds weighing under 10 kilos and stretching less than eight feet has now blossomed into a city-wide celebration, with gourds reaching 15 kilos and 12 feet in recent years. But more important than the numbers is the festival’s growth as a gathering place where friendships are made, neighbours connect, and cultures come together.

As this year’s festival wrapped up, with prizes awarded and music still ringing in the air, it was clear that Upofest had once again succeeded. The gourds were big, but the hearts were bigger.

Congratulations to all the participants, sponsors, and supporters who made the 2025 edition a success. If you haven’t been to an Upofest yet, make sure you don’t miss next year. Come for the gourds, stay for the karaoke, and leave with a little more community spirit than you came with.

Beyond the fun and festivities, Upofest is a powerful reminder of how cultural traditions can thrive in new environments. By taking root in Winnipeg, the festival bridges the gap between generations and backgrounds, showing that food, music, and laughter are universal languages. It reflects the resilience of immigrant communities while also inviting the wider public to take part and share in the joy.

Looking ahead, the hope is that Upofest will continue to grow—not just in the size of its gourds, but in its reach and impact. With each passing year, more Winnipeggers discover the festival and more friendships are formed. If the past five years are any indication, the future of Upofest is bright, green, and full of life.