5 Reasons to Attend an International Festival
While I love traveling, I don’t have the time or funds to reach all the amazing destinations that I would like to visit all around the globe. But I found a great budget-friendly way to experience many countries in a short amount of time. (Photo Credit for feature image goes to Ellen Joy Photography)
By attending an international festival you can explore many unique cultures and countries, all in one location!
I recently attended the inaugural International Festival in Plainfield, Indiana, near my hometown. The event was an amazing display of diversity and the perfect way to spend the afternoon for someone with wanderlust in their blood.
I truly hope this becomes an annual event!
But even if you don’t live in Indiana, you can likely find an international festival near you. While each event is sure to have its own unique line up of activities and offerings, many common characteristics are woven throughout various cultural events.
I want to highlight my experience at the Plainfield International Festival as I offer 5 reasons for YOU to seek out similar cultural events in your area!
1. Exposure to Many Cultures
It was so refreshing to walk around the festival and see people representing many diverse cultures all in one location. Everyone was enjoying a beautiful afternoon while embracing the diversity in our community.
We were learning from each other about what makes different cultures unique as well as what makes us all similar. By visiting the booths representing various countries from around the world, attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and learn about cultural practices, beliefs, and customs in a friendly environment.
Many booths also offered the opportunity to connect with a local club or organization to learn more about a given country and how to connect beyond the event.
2. Family Friendly
There were so many activities sure to please people of all ages. Painting iconic landmarks from around the globe, browsing through jewelry, scarves, and traditional clothing of various cultures, and getting a “passport” stamped at each “country” were just some of the activities to immerse attendees in the cultural experience.
I thoroughly enjoyed painting a picture of the Eiffel Tower alongside people of all ages and various levels of artistic expression.
It doesn’t get more authentically Parisian than sitting outside on a beautiful day and brushing paint across a canvas!
The Plainfield International Festival offered tons of hands-on activities and opportunities for dialogue about diversity. Teaching our children about different cultures and exposing them to people who may look and act differently than they do is an incredibly enriching experience.
3. Ethnic Cuisine
Food is such a critical part of our culture and an expression of who we are. Cultural events are likely to offer a wide selection of food options that encourage you to get out of your typical food rut. The Plainfield International festival provided a variety of ethnic cuisine to savor.
I decided this was the perfect opportunity to try a cuisine outside of my comfort zone!
A variety of tasty options were available, and I could have played it safe and opted for pizza. But this was my chance to try something new and take full advantage of this cultural experience. So I decided on a falafel sandwich.
While this vegetarian wrap did not turn out to be my favorite dish of all time, I was glad I took this opportunity to try something different. I was embracing the spirit of the international festival!
4. Art, Music, and Dance
Many cultures express their history, beliefs, and customs through the arts. And the Plainfield International Festival showcased a wide array of artistic expression.
Traditional dances and musical performances representing a variety of countries entertained the crowds.
Numerous booths showcased a variety of art representative of their culture. On canvas, pottery, and even on our bodies.
Learning about these forms of cultural expression helps us all better understand and embrace the beauty of our diverse world.
5. Expand Your Travel Bucket List
Have you thought about visiting Pakistan? Traveling to the Philippines? Touring Kenya? Or adding Egypt to your travel bucket list?
All of these countries and many more were represented at the Plainfield International Festival. Getting a glimpse of the culture, cuisine, and art each of these countries adds to the world may just pique your interest to learn more.
Attending an event like the Plainfield International Festival could inspire you to become a world traveler as you strive to satisfy your growing desire to understand and embrace other cultures. See what new destinations make their way onto your travel bucket list!
Are you ready to check out an international festival?
Share the cultural events you have attended and what you learned in the comments below.
Wherever the road takes you, make it a joyous journey,
Traveling Tanya
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