As Rochester keeps getting bigger and more diverse, as seen in the latest Census results and the upcoming World Festival , the world keeps shrinking.
"My idea is that you should meet your neighbor from another country and all of a sudden the world gets a whole lot smaller and you relate to events in a different way," said Herta Matteson, president of Rochester International Association, which hosts the festival as a way to celebrate cultural diversity and provide opportunities for multicultural education and exchange. "When you know someone from Japan and Sudan and these things happen, all of a sudden it has a totally different meaning."
The festival kicks off with a stage performance featuring 16 world dance and music groups on April 15.
Then on April 16 it's your turn. Interactive events such as storytelling, a Native American drum circle, and martial arts and belly dance lessons have been added to the festival this year to encourage participation, Matteson said.
The day also features ethnic food and craft vendors, cultural displays from more than 25 countries and children's activities.
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In addition to the personal heritage booths, the displays have been expanded to include local organizations and resources that have a global outlook or international connection, she said. Some of those include Mayo Clinic's global health programs, Rochester's sister city connections and information about the upcoming Rochester International Film Festival.
"I always say you have no idea what's out there in Rochester until you come to the World Fest," Matteson said. "And when you're there you say, 'That's interesting. That's my neighbor. I had no idea what they had to offer.'"
