The Saint John Newcomers Centre, official hosts of one of the largest multicultural festivals in Atlantic Canada, is evaluating a revised format aimed at minimizing conflict and maximizing joyful expression of the city's growing diversity.

That's because global events — in particular, the crisis in Gaza — have challenged the festival's core values of making everyone feel welcome, represented, and safe.

That came into sharp focus last year, when Culturefest in the Valley, the companion event that visits the towns of Rothesay and Quispamsis, was cancelled two days before it was due to start in September 2024.

"Out of safety concerns," recalled Sochi Azuh, speaking for the Newcomers Centre. "That was painful because a lot of planning had gone into it."

When the 2025 festival returned to S

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