World Cultural Festival Brings Global Flair to Valparaiso

Central Park Plaza in downtown Valparaiso became a vibrant mosaic of global cultures on a Sunday, as the annual World Cultural Festival unfolded. Organized by the Valparaiso International Center, the event featured a colorful array of music, dance, crafts, and cuisine from around the world.

Tiger Kumar, a 16-year-old local, first encountered a Chinese zither at this festival when he was four. Inspired, he pursued learning the instrument, sourcing it and its accessories from China. Kumar explained that quality zithers are predominantly found there. Originating roughly 2,000 years ago, this instrument requires a simple start through plucking, but mastery demands intricate training. Kumar now takes online lessons and plans to form a group named Resonance, bringing together diverse performers monthly at the Valparaiso Public Library. His mission is to bridge generations through music.

The festival featured various performances at the amphitheater, including an act by Baba Yaga’s Stew. Despite rain, the ensemble delivered a spirited performance, drawing cheers from a lively audience. Lucia Thomas, from Chicago, performed on the violin, Dianna Davis of Indianapolis played the accordion, and Mehtab Kirtan from Evanston, Illinois, showcased the cajon, a Peruvian percussion instrument.

Ananya Kar, a dancer from Indianapolis, performed to honor Kali, a Hindu goddess symbolizing the divine feminine. With 15 years of experience, Kar emphasized the importance of emotional connection in dance. She noted the festival’s celebration of diverse cultures and universal hospitality.

Jim Goetsch, a volunteer with Third World Shoppe, spoke about their nonprofit initiatives. The organization supports global artisans through fair trade, uplifting low-income families across various regions. The festival provided Goetsch a platform to showcase items like Nepali toy birds, olive wood crafts, and Guatemalan worry dolls, each contributing to community welfare projects.

Italian artist Francesco DeNicolo, who also teaches cooking, exhibited his art in various formats. Selling T-shirts, hats, and calendars, DeNicolo aims to open a gallery and pass on his expertise through lessons, cherishing the idea of his art reaching worldwide locations.

Valparaiso’s Antonio Perez, originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, led the parade of nations at the festival. He expressed pride in representing Mexican culture and acknowledged the multicultural tapestry of Northwest Indiana. Charles “Big Tiny” Canty represented Nigeria, reflecting on Valparaiso’s transformation over the years. He celebrated the festival as a representation of unity and diversity.

The World Cultural Festival thus stands as a testament to the shared human experience, spotlighting how art, music, and culture transcend boundaries to unite communities. From educational support by Compass International to musical innovation and traditional crafts, the festival illustrated a world connected under one roof.