World of Montgomery Festival Multicultural Announces Performances, Activities for All Ages

From World of Montgomery Festival:

The World of Montgomery Festival celebrates the many cultures of the DC area with multicultural music, food, dance, exhibits and hands-on activities at Montgomery College Rockville on Sunday, October 16th, 2016, from noon to 4 p.m. The festival promotes cross-cultural understanding by highlighting the cultural diversity of the DC area through immersive activities and performances. This year’s theme is “A Place Called Home”.

Indonesia, Germany, Korea, the Caribbean, India, Ukraine, El Salvador, Ethiopia, China, and more will represent their cultural traditions in the International Village at World of Montgomery, which is organized by KID Museum. There are two entertainment stages, ethnic food vendors, and fun activities for the whole family.

Highlights include Reog Ponorogo dancers from Indonesia, who will perform a traditional dance popular in the Ponorogo regency. The lead dancer represents 'Singo Barong', supporting the weight of a 30-40kg mask with only their teeth. The dancers will perform both on the mainstage and during the popular “Parade of Cultures” that circles the festival grounds at 1:30 p.m. The Parade of Cultures also includes the vibrant Edenilson El Salvadoran band, Bolivian dance groups, drummers, and performers from a variety of cultural backgrounds.

On the mainstage, Massama Dogo’s band, Elikeh, will combine traditional Togolese rhythms with American music (blues, funk) in order to provide a high energy show that explores global themes.

In the China tent, a 30’ x 30’ re-creation of a typical Chinese home will honor the “A Place Called Home” theme. The China exhibit will include a 9’ entrance door, typical home décor, and hourly performances of a traditional Chinese tea ceremony.

The International Village is also where children and adults can make their own traditional crafts, and enjoy music, performances and games. Festival-goers can participate in Ukraine egg painting; try on the traditional dress of Korea, India and Indonesia; smell world spices or the coffee blends of Indonesia; experience an Ethiopian coffee ceremony; or greet the volcano of El Salvador.

KID Museum will offer interactive activities that explore the theme of “home.” Families can work together to craft a miniature room in their home, a diorama that will be mounted to a wall to create a community work of art. Visitors will also be invited to have their picture taken in a photobooth—their photos will then have strips cut of eyes, nose and mouth which will be pasted to a wall in a collage of many faces. Also in the KID Museum tent, festival-goers can participate in contributing to a giant map of “important places,” pounding nails into the places they go in Montgomery County, and connecting them with string.

The free activities at the festival are designed to promote tolerance and appreciation towards the many wonderful cultures that surround us every day. The intention is to help our youth become successful global citizens by instilling multi-cultural appreciation at a young age through fun, educational, hands-on experiences.

Admission is free. Free parking is available nearby. Free shuttles will run throughout the event from pick-up points from Silver Spring, Wheaton, and Upper County. Shuttle schedules are available on the website. The event address is 51 Mannakee Street, Rockville, MD 20850.

Photo courtesy of World of Montgomery Festival