Over 25,000 diverse individuals attended the Skokie Cultural Festival.

The 33rd annual Skokie Festival of Cultures brought thousands of people to Oakton Park last weekend for two days of family fun, multicultural food, and live ethnic entertainment. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18, 2025, the international Festival of Cultures was held in Oakton Park, 4701 West Oakton Street Water Recreation Park, which is located in Skokie at the intersection of skokie boulevard and Oakton Avenue. Another name for the event is "Tour of the World." On Friday, May 16, 2025 at 7 p.m., the festival begined with an hour-long screening of international short films.

The delegation from Pakistan was led by Syed Abdan Ullah and Dr. Anwar Haq. On stage, they highlighted Pakistani culture and its contributions to the United States. Mr. Tariq Karim, the consul general of Pakistan, was warmly welcomed by Mayor Ann Tennes and other elected officials.

In 1991, this festival got its start. In the state of Illinois, this event is currently among the most well-liked ethnic celebrations. "We are celebrating diversity between all the communities," the organizing committee's board members stated. The purpose of the Festival of Cultures is to bring the communities together.

A skokie official claims that Skokie is home to speakers of over 100 different languages. More than any Illinois municipality. Today, Skokie is a multicultural community where each person showcases and performs their own customs and culture. However, they are on show at the event once a year. The World Showcase stage hosted the opening ceremonies on Saturday at 1 p.m. At the opening ceremony, Mayor Ann Tennes and other officials gave a number of speeches.

Promoting greater understanding among Skokie people from many ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds is the aim of this festival.
Games, costumes, dance, music, food, and activities were all enjoyed by the attendees. The celebration drew thousands of visitors last weekend. Activities for all ages were available, along with booths that represented various cultures and nations along with all of their accessories. A passport to these nations is also assumed to be the festival book, which contains all the information on the participating nationalities. The book should be brought to the booth, where visitors should identify some of the items specified and have their book stamped.

Additionally, time was allotted for the folk and cultural dance and music performances of the participating nationalities. Food from many ethnic backgrounds was enjoyed by all. India, Pakistan, and other South Asian nations showcased a number of attractions. At 2:00 p.m., the first outdoor dance performance starts.

The event featured dozens of cultural booths and exhibitions, international children's games, a goods market, a variety of meals, ethnic folk music and dance, and distinctive arts and crafts. There were about thirty cultural booths and displays during the festival. Every year, the Skokie Festival of Cultures takes place on the third weekend of May and is a free event that is becoming well-known all over the world. This festival's success is entirely due to Mayor Ann Tennes and her staff.