It’s been three years since Iván Márquez brought his family from Mexico City, Mexico, to Winnipeg, Manitoba – a city he admittedly knew nothing about.
In that time, he and his children have been thrilled to make the move, discovering how this small city still has all the big city amenities they’ve relied on, while still having such a friendly vibe.
In this interview conducted at the Folklorama Mexican Pavilion –– the biggest pavilion for 2024, with 2,000 people taking part in the first two sold-out seatings each evening (and where Ivan and his kids were volunteering for the evening) –– we learn why the Márquez family is here to stay.
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What brought you to Winnipeg?
I come from Mexico City, the capital. Me and my family came to Winnipeg because in Mexico, for the past 15 years there have been difficult moments over there –– like a political situation or economical situation, so that's why we choose a safer environment for my kids to raise them here.
What did you know about Winnipeg before you moved?
Honestly, before I made the decision to come to Canada, I only heard about Winnipeg through the Pan American Games or something like that [Winnipeg hosted the Pan Am Games in 1999]. But that's all. I have been in Canada twice or three times before, but in Vancouver and other big cities.
What do you do in Winnipeg, and what did you do in Mexico City?
In Mexico City I used to be a commercial and marketing manager in a several industries. Here, I just graduated as an international student in November in marketing management. I’m currently seeking work in my field, while I’m currently working as a clerk in the courts of Winnipeg for Manitoba Justice.
As well, I am part of the Board of FEDLATAM (Foundation for the Empowerment and Development of Latin Americans in Canada). We are focused on making smother the arrival of Latin American immigrants in Canada, through giving them several tools, such as webinars, workshops, in-person events, and any kind of help and advisory.
What do you love about Winnipeg?
Well, at the beginning, I felt like I felt like I came to a small, small city. If you compare where I come from, Mexico City is huge –– it's more than 20 million people there. Here, there is less than one million. But during this time living here, it’s been amazing because this small-town feel allows us to enjoy no traffic, it’s not a crowded city, and most of the people are so friendly. To raise our kids, it is the best option.
And it’s true, it’s totally true! It’s not for the interview [Ivan says while laughing].
What is Winnipeg’s Mexican community like?
When we came here, we didn't know about the Mexican community here. After a few months, we tried to engage with the community, and we found the Mexican Association [the Mex Y Can Association of Manitoba] that has organized the Mexican Pavilion here at Folklorama.
Through them, and through WhatsApp chats for newcomers, we were welcomed into the community. The Mexican community here is not so big, [especially] if you compare with another Latin American communities, but it’s allowed us to feel welcome in Winnipeg. They organize many activities to let us know we are welcome here.
We are here conducting this interview at the Mexican Pavilion at Folklorama at the RBC Convention Centre. Every night the first two seatings have sold out, with 1,000 people for each seating –– many of whom are entering the room now. How does that make you feel, to see these kinds of numbers and how interested people are in Mexican culture?
I didn’t know about the magnitude of this pavilion…but I happily notice how the Canadian people like the Mexican culture. So, I’m so proud to be part of this huge event.
Folklorama is one of the biggest multicultural events around the world, and we’re so proud to see that the Mexican Pavilion this year is the biggest one.
What would you say to anyone from Latin America looking to move here?
If someone asked me from Latin America why they should move here, I’d say because it’s a small city with all the comforts of a big city – but, without all the issues. There are many family friendly neighbourhoods that give us the opportunity to raise our kids in a safe environment and a good environment. After three years here in Winnipeg, I love Winnipeg. I don’t ever think about moving to another city –– no way! –– because my kids also love the city. So, we’ll stay here.
Learn more about what it’s like to raise a family in Winnipeg by visiting https://www.liveinwinnipeg.com/families