Welcome! Our 4th World Cultures Festival promises to be another fabulous day of fun and learning. Over a hundred volunteers have been busy preparing displays, performances, and food. Come grab a passport and start your journey around the world!

Cultural Displays (1:00-3:00)

Where are you from? Everyone has a story to tell.  Come and see what families have to share in our display area.  You are guaranteed to learn something new! You can try your hand at playing a Korean game, learn Spanish, have your name written in Russian, and much more! There will be cultures from all over the world:

Australia

Burundi

Canada

China

Ecuador

England

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Guatemala

India

Iran

Ireland

Israel

Kenya

Korea

Malaysia

Montenegro

Mozambique

Netherlands

Niger

Norway

Peru

Poland

Russia

Scotland

Sierra Leone

South Africa

Spain

Syria

Tanzania

Ukraine

Wales

R.O.C.K. in the USA (United States). This group is performing John Mellencamp’s “R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.” When it was released, the song was a tribute to the USA and 60’s Rock Music and celebrated music and diversity.

Natesha (India). The Natesha is a dance invoking the blessings of Natraj, the Lord of Dance. As he performed in the Golden Hall, he had celestial accompaniments.

Funga Alafia (Africa). A traditional song from West Africa (Nigeria) sung in the Yoruba language and means "welcomes and blessings".

Arirang and Doraji (Korea). Arirang and Doraji are two of the oldest traditional folks songs in Korea and are easily recognized by the people of Korea. Arirang is a melancholy song about climbing Arirang Hill. Doraji is the name of the Chinese bellflower, whose roots are used to make a salad in Korean cooking. The song is about a young maiden who goes out to gather bellflower roots and pick their pretty flowers.

An Irish Reel (Ireland). A reel is a folk dance traditionally performed in Ireland as a “country” dance. An Irish reel is performed to reel music, which is lively and written in 4/4 time. In a reel, the dancers have a starting and ending point and travel through intricate figures as they dance. For women, it is a light, rapid, soft shoe dance which allows for plenty of leaping.

Españoleta (Spain). A piano duet with music by Jon George.

Oh Canada (Canada). The song "Oh Canada" was written and performed as early as 1880, but officially became the Canadian National Anthem in 1980. That year, it was sung as a part of Dominion Day, known as "Canada Day." "Canada Day" is like our 4th of July -- full of celebration.

Traditional Bō Form (China & Japan). The bō form is a traditional martial arts stick fighting technique, using the Okinawan bō, consisting of blocks, sweeps and strikes. Historically, the bō served a dual purpose. Its peaceful purpose was to balance baskets or buckets full of food, water, etc. However, the Okinawan farmers also viewed it as a "secret weapon." When the Satsuma outlawed traditional weapons, the farmers looked to ordinary farm implements (which the samurai could not confiscate) to defend themselves.

Kung Fu Medley (China) Hung Gar Kung Fu is a type of ancient martial arts discipline which is based on the movement of animals. In a traditional lion dance, two performers mimic a lion’s movements with power and strength in stance, with accompaniment synchronized to the movements and antics of the lion. The dance is performed on Chinese New Year and believed to bring both good luck and fortune. Butterfly swords are short, versatile weapons which were easily concealed inside loose sleeves and used against longer weapons. They contain a hook which can latch onto an opponent's weapon and twist it out of his/her grasp. The second half of 8th Form, or “Taming the Tiger”, is a longer traditional hand form passed down through generations and used in defense against multiple attacks from different directions. The single-edged saber or broadsword is the most popular Chinese weapon and includes a blunt back which is used in blocking.

Food Fair (3:00 - 4:00)

Australia - Fairy Bread, Vegemite Sandwiches, Anzac Biscuits

China - Chinese Dumplings, Niu Rougan, Zhu Rougan, Char Siu, Cookie Rolls

England - Victoria Queen Cakes

Germany - Hamburger, Cheese Hedgehog, Apple Strudel, Kasespaetzle mit Saurkraut

India - Dhokla, Tuna Chops, Mango Juice, Gaarjar Halwa, Channa, Naan

Iran - Rice Pudding, Walnut Cookies

Ireland - Christmas Pudding, Irish Soda Bread

Israel - Tabouli, Tahini, Cheese Burekas, Hummus with Pita & Pickles

Italy - Cannoli

Japan - Edamame

Kenya - Githeri

Korea - Seashell Cookies, Mandu, Bibimbap

Latvia - Pirogs

Lebanon - Lebanese Pastries

Mozambique - Senagalese Chicken

Netherlands - Stroopwafels, Gouda Cheese, Poffertjes

Peru - Inca Cola

Poland - Plaki, Blintzes, Kielbasa

Portugal - Portugese Seafood Stew

Russia - Pel'meni, Baranki, Vareniki, Oliv'e

Scotland - Shortbread Cookies

South Africa - Vetkoek

Syria - Semboosak, Yebra, Bizzit

Ukraine - Ukrainian Bread

USA - Rugalech, Meat Knish, Tollhouse Cookies, Shrimp Gumbo, Cheese Grits, Collard Greens, Black Eyed Peas, Thanksgiving Turkey, Hamantaschen, Tabouleh

Wales - Welsh Cakes (allspice quick breads)