Wrap up: Festival of Nations 2013

Festival of Nations keeps us coming back for more!

Recently, we asked our Facebook and Twitter followers: What they love about Festival of Nations and why is it an important event for them to attend. 

We got some awesome responses! 

Ana

"I love attending festival of nations for the fun experience and food. I love seeing the dances from different cultures and seeing the cool shops full of amazing things from around the world. It's like going around the whole entire world just in one area. I've been going for four years and it never gets boring"

Jennifer

"I grew up in a military family, living overseas and being exposed to a multitude of cultures.  I think it is important to expose my daughter to other cultures and ways of life.  The Festival of Nations has been an annual event going on four years this year!"

Cheryl

"My ancestry includes Czech from my father's side of the family.  My grandmother, was full-blood Czech which got me curious about the Czech culture and because of my love of Czech food ( fond memories of my grandmother's Czech cooking growing up).  This is how I became interested in the Sokol organization and have attended several of their events and "Like" them on Facebook and found out about this contest. 

I've never actually been to the Festival of Nations but have intended on going for many years.  It would be wonderful to experience all the festivities, try all the different ethnic foods and learn more about different cultures. Imaging it almost like being on a trip around the world and would love to attend!"

Thank you, ladies!

Festival of Nations is finally upon us this weekend, we can't wait to see you all! 

Czech and Slovak Republic at the Festival of Nations

 We have a special post from Martina Gurgel, chair for the Czech and Slovak Republics cultural exhibit.

The Czech and Slovak Republics representatives want you to come and visit their booth, and here's why:

"Come and visit our cultural booth representing the Czech and Slovak Republics. Learn about  the everyday life of Czech and Slovak children: how is it different from living in the U.S. and in what aspects is it similar to children's life here as well.  Have fun learning some tongue twisters, our special cursive writing, and basic phrases.  Bring a camera to take a picture at our booth as a keepsake.  Kids can pose for a photo like a princess or a waterman from our classic fairy tales.  We can't wait to see you! "

We're excited for everything the Czech and Slovak Republics cultural exhibit has to offer! Make sure to pay them a visit at any time May 3-5.

www.festivalofnations.com

Thank you Martina!

New to the Festival of Nations!

The Festival of Nations grows each year and we are always excited about new countries/ethnic groups/cultures and communities who participate with us!

New in the Bazaar:

Palestine and Turkey

                    

          

New in Exhibits:

 Bulgaria, Haiti, The Republic of the Congo, and Sudan.

  

New in the Demonstrations:

Native American Breastplates

Make sure to visit them and welcome them to the Festival of Nations family!

For more details: http://festivalofnations.com/

Sudanese American Aya Elmileik on her experiences with Festival of Nations

Source: http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/news/2013/04/04/our-stories-sudanese-american-aya-elmileik-her-experiences-festival-nations

Salsa del Soul

Friday night, May 3rd at the Festival of Nations is jam packed with great performances! One of which includes Salsa del Soul.

Salsa del Soul is a Twin Cities-based, nine-piece Orchestra performing various styles of dance music from the Spanish-speaking regions of the Caribbean.  The band has been making dance music around the Twin Cities and the Midwest region for more than a decade.

 

Salsa del Soul perform locally at various places including restaurants and bars, private engagements, jazz and Latin festivals, and many other events around the Twin Cities.

Come ready to dance as Salsa del Soul take you from one region of the Caribbean to the next with their Son, Son Montuno, Plena, Cha-cha-cha, Bachata, Timba, or Salsa style of music!

Rahim Alhaj, performing at Festival of Nations, May 3rd!

Rahim Alhaj will be performing at Festival of Nations Friday night, May 3rd and we couldn't be more excited!

Rahim Alhaj is an oud musician and composer.  Born in Baghdad, Iraq, he began playing the oud at nine years old. The talent he has was evident early on.  In 1991, after the first Gulf War, Rahim was forced to leave Iraq due to his activism against the Saddam Hussein regime and began his life in Jordan an Syria.  He moved to the US in 2000 as a political refugee and has resided in Albuquerque, NM ever since. (www.rahimalhaj.com)

Rahim has performed around the world and is considered one of the finest oud players and musicians in the world.  He has won many awards, including two Grammy nominations.  His March 2009 release, Ancient Sounds, was nominated for a 2010 Grammy in the Best Traditional World Music Recording category.  Rahim has released seven albums.

New this year, Festival of Nations presents Think Global, Party Local on Friday night with extended hours, wine tasting, international beer, and a lineup of fresh music from international artists, including Rahim Alhaj.

Rahim has unique and great talent and we are so excited to have him perform at Festival of Nations. 

For more on Rahim Alhaj, please follow the link: Rahim Alhaj

For more on the events of Friday night and Festival of Nations, please go to our home page: Festival of Nations

See you all in May!