World Cultural Festival 2022
hosted by The Valparaiso International Center
Sunday, September 18, 2022
12pm-5pm
Central Park Plaza
70 W. Lafayette St. Valparaiso, IN
On Sunday, September 18, the 13th Annual World Cultural Festival will transform Valparaiso’s Central Park Plaza into a center for cultural diversity from 12 noon to 5 pm. Sponsored by The Valparaiso International Center (The VIC), this family-friendly event will feature music and dance from around the world, international art and handicrafts for sale, ethnic cuisine, and children’s activities. The festival is open to everyone, and admission is free of charge.
“The World Cultural Festival is the yearly climax of our efforts to promote better global awareness and connections among the many cultures that make up our local community,” says Duane Davison, founding chair of The VIC. “The event provides an opportunity for people to learn about each other, enjoy music and dance, sample food, and make friends. The festival has earned a national reputation as a guaranteed good time.”
The sound of Christopher McQuillin’s Scottish bagpipe will open the event at the Northwest Health Amphitheater, followed by a variety of dance and music performers. “We’ve got a terrific lineup of performers this year representing the cultures of Bulgaria, India, Mexico, Greece, China, and the USA, says Peter Martin, entertainment co-director for the festival.
'“A highlight of the festival is the Parade of Nations.” says Hugh McGuigan, chair of the VIC’s Board of Directors. “We encourage attendees to wear traditional attire and carry the flag of their birthplace or ancestral homeland. We look forward to a good turnout from Valparaiso University international students and the local immigrant community.”
During the event, Festival goers can also purchase ethnic cuisine prepared by local restaurants, including Don Quijote Restaurant (Spanish), Biruh’s Kitchen (Ethiopian), Kate’s Kitchen (pan-African), Enamele (soul food), Kin Khao Thai (Thai), Veleros (Mexican), and Bao’s Pastry (French).
Non-profit organizations and educational institutions will be in attendance too, with information booths and representatives to engage with festival goers. International products and fair-trade items will be available for sale.
Programing will include a children’s tent with internationally themed activities for youngsters and a display of artwork from students. “We’re especially interested in teaching our youngsters about diversity and the importance of communication and interaction between cultures,” says Davison.
“We would be unable to hold this great event without our sponsors,” says McGuigan. “We’re delighted to have NITCO as our lead sponsor again this year, and we welcome Thorgren Tool & Molding as a major sponsor. Among other sponsors are Valparaiso University, First Source Bank, Boulder Bay Realty, Apex Physical Therapy, and Minakshi Ghuman. We also wish to thank Dr. Gaurav Kumar, Bionic Prosthetics & Orthotics, Country Inn & Suites of Valparaiso, and RE/MAX Lifestyles for their generous support.”
For more information about the World Cultural Festival and other programs of the Valparaiso International Center, visit its website at www.valpovic.org or call (219) 464-1122.
