By Maria King, Grandmom extraordinaire/president/founder Eventcrazy.com has brought us some fabulous cultural events.
One of the great things about this country is the diversity of the people. I think of it like a cultural buffet. (No not because of my love of food but because of the variety. Ok well maybe a little because of food.) In the US, we take for granted the melting pot of people to the point that we think of it as American culture, not other cultures. Where else in the world do you have museums of just about every culture in the world, cuisine from every country, 1000’s of grocery stores selling ethnic foods and festivals celebrating the traditions of all the countries of the world? We even have cultural events to celebrate the history and traditions of areas of our own country that have unique and strong influences.
I think that we have such an advantage over other countries because we have so many cultures and religions blended together. I believe it is what has made us so tolerate and respectful of differences and each other. This week let’s get out and sample some of the cultural differences. We sometimes forget how easy it is to experience authentic traditions from other countries. People in other countries around the world have to travel to Italy to taste authentic Italian food. Here we can attend an Italian Festa on any given weekend. The same festival opportunities apply with every other culture that has embraced the U.S. their place of residence but still hangs on to the traditions of their ancestors. So maybe that is the culture of the U.S.; all of the cultures of the world under one country name.
So grab the kids, your significant other, your best friend and anyone else who wants to come along and head on over to an event that celebrates a specific ethnicity this week. Oh bring your fork so you can enjoy this weeks cultural buffet!
*I added the dog event because I think they like to have a dog cultural celebration once in awhile. I mean look how many different types of dogs there are in the U.S. But wait….would their culture blending be more like a Spark-EEs-board instead of buffet? Ugh, even I groaned at that one.
Ambridge Nationality Days Parade and Festival
May 16, 2014 – May 18, 2014
Downtown Ambridge Ambridge, PA 15003
Since 1965. The festival is a heritage and cultural based festival featuring home cooked cuisine from local churches and organizations, local homemade heritage crafts and culture based entertainment for the entire three days of the festival. A parade will be held on Saturday which features local heritage organizations, county wide marching bands, local public service organizations, and so much more.
40,000 Attendees
Sicilian Festival
May 18, 2014
Little Italy San Diego, CA 92101
Since 1994. The highly popular free family event features authentic Sicilian food and entertainment, surrounded by the colorful ambiance of the Little Italy neighborhood of San Diego’s downtown, located within walking distance of the beautiful San Diego harbor and within minutes of San Diego’s downtown cultural district. Three main stages will feature a wide variety of Sicilian and Italian entertainment. At noon, a procession of dozens of costumed dancers, musicians, and representatives of the Italian organizations in San Diego will parade through the streets carrying flags from the different regions of Sicily and Italy. Food booths representing the many restaurants in Little Italy will line the streets to satisfy the hungry crowds by serving up Sicilian specialties of all varieties. A pasta- eating contest will also highlight the day’s activities. Festival visitors will also be able to relax at two wine and beer gardens, or shop among the many booths offering Italian-themed artifacts and services. People will be literally dancing in the streets, and no wonder. The event features the nationally acclaimed Roman Holiday Ensemble who will be on hand with their costumed musicians and dancers to provide a lively show of Sicilian and Italian music. Strolling entertainers will pepper the Festival grounds throughout the day, providing an authentic Sicilian musical ambiance that will transport visitors to the shores of Palermo as they enjoy the traditional melodies. The Sicilian Festival is also the perfect venue for families with children. All children’s activities are FREE, and include a large inflatable slide, puppet theatre shows, face painting, and many other activities to keep the bambini entertained throughout day. A Sicilian cultural pavilion will display photos and other memorabilia of the history of the Sicilian-American community in San Diego.
75,000 Attendees
International Greek Foods Festival
May 16, 2014 – May 18, 2014
Annunication Greek Orthodox Church Little Rock, AR 72201
Since 1984, Greek, mid-eastern and Indian foods. Music and other entertainment will provide enjoyment while you eat. Everyone knows the best part of any Greek festival is the food, and this year’s festival will not disappoint. This festival features a scrumptious medley of Middle Eastern and Greek cultural dishes, plus Georgian, Russian and Romanian fare. Also included are an indoor Old World Market, artwork and costumed dancers.
30,000+ Attendees
Maifest
May 16, 2014 – May 17, 2014
Mainstrasse Village Covington, KY 41011
Since 1979, features nearly 100 artisans and crafters. Continuous live entertainment by traditional and contemporary performers weaves a festive mood throughout Maifest. Pretend you’re in Munich, Germany by visiting Goebel Park, which will be “All German”. If you prefer a wide variety of music, move on to the Festival Island stage, which will feature live Rock and Roll, Blues and Country music all weekend. In Goebel Park, spend the day in the Kinderplatz, full of adventures for younger children. For older children and adults, don’t forget to visit the amusement midway, including the towering Ferris wheel.
150,000 Attendees
Pacific Rim Street Fest
May 18, 2014
Old Sacramento State Historic Park Old Sacramento, CA 95814
Since 1993, a celebration of the close ties between the Pacific Rim nations and the Sacramento area. Activities include a health fair, all kinds of ethnic foods, crafts, historic lectures, cultural entertainment and children’s activites.
50,000 Attendees
Italian Market Festival
May 17, 2014 – May 18, 2014
Italian Market / South Philly Philadelphia, PA 19147
Since 2003. A feast of Italian foods, music and special events at one of the greatest outdoor food markets in the nation. Bring the whole family to enjoy the Annual Procession of Saints, live entertainment, the first-ever half- ball tournament to benefit the Mummers Fancy Brigades, and Food, Food and more Food! Takes place rain or shine on 9th Street Between Catharine and Wharton Streets.
50,000 Attendees
Mayfest
May 15, 2014 – May 18, 2014
Downtown Tulsa Tulsa, OK 74103
Since 1972, artisans display their artwork and crafts for sale with international cuisine and music also featured. What a perfect way to spend the day. Mayfest is a family-oriented event created to promote a broader knowledge of and appreciation for arts and humanities among serious, as well as casual, art lovers. Mayfest is nationally renowned for presenting the very best in arts and entertainment. Tulsa International Mayfest has something to offer everyone. The outdoor area of Mayfest includes fine arts, crafts, four stages of performing artists, KidZone – a children’s hands-on art activity area, and of course, great festival food. In addition to the outdoor space, Mayfest also features five indoor galleries.
350,000 Attendees
Do Dah Day
May 17, 2014
Rhodes Park Birmingham, AL 35203
Since 1980, Do Dah Day is the south’s number one Dog and Animal Festival and one of Birmingham’s best-loved events! The parade winds down Highland Ave. beginning at 11:01am on Saturday with the bands kicking off in the park around noon. And don’t miss out on the festivities at Do Dah Eve on Friday night, at Nana Funks in Lakeview. Party starts at 7:01pm Fundraiser for Humane Shelter. This is a great fun event. Also activities at Caldwell Park.
50,000 Attendees
Festival of Culture
May 17, 2014 – May 18, 2014
Oakton Street Park Skokie, IL 60077
Since 1991, a huge celebration of different cultures that we share the planet with. Enjoy food, music, costumes and more. You and your friends and family will enjoy two days of ethnic folk music and dance, a wide range of food, unique arts and crafts, international children’s games, a merchandise bazaar, and dozens of cultural booths and displays.
50,000 Attendees
Cleveland Asian Festival
May 17, 2014 – May 18, 2014
Asia Plaza Cleveland, OH 44114
Since 2010. Featuring authentic Asian foods and merchandise, local and national performing artists, a children’s activities area, games, competitions, and a health pavilion that focuses on free screenings and health education. Live cultural performances, martial art demonstrations, Sumo Wrestling (inflatable), Eating Contests, Children’s craft, DDR, and merchandise exhibitors! Free Trolley Tour of AsiaTown, Free Admission, Free Parking at CSU lots on E. 24th Street and Payne Avenue.
50,000 Attendees
Maria can be reached directly at ventsblog@eventcrazy.com or @eventcrazy on Twitter or visit her website at www.eventcrazy.com
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