Central Park Plaza in downtown Valparaiso transformed into a global gathering spot for the World Cultural Festival. The festival, organized by the Valparaiso International Center, featured a range of performances and cultural displays.
Tiger Kumar and the Chinese Zither
Valparaiso resident Tiger Kumar showcased his musical journey. At age 4, he encountered the Chinese zither at the festival, sparking his interest in the instrument. Now 16, Kumar won a gold medal in an international competition in China last year. He sources his zither and its supplies from China due to quality differences. He aims to connect generations through a musical group he is forming, called Resonance, which will meet at the Valparaiso Public Library.
Performances Amidst the Rain
The band Baba Yaga’s Stew played amidst a rain-soaked audience. They performed both in the amphitheater and under the Urschel Pavilion roof. The group included performances by Lucia Thomas on the violin, Dianna Davis on the accordion, and Mehtab Kirtan on the cajon. Davis, originally a piano student, found the accordion both portable and enriching. The festival atmosphere, though wet, was described as enthusiastic and engaging by Thomas.
Art and Craft from Around the World
Jim Goetsch from Third World Shoppe explained the fair trade products offered at the festival. Goods included toy birds from Nepal, olive wood items from Palestine and Israel, and worry dolls supporting clean water projects in Guatemala. Meanwhile, Francesco DeNicolo, an artist originally from Italy, showcased his art, hoping to open a gallery and offer lessons in the future.
Dance Celebrating Spirituality
Ananya Kar, a dancer from Indianapolis, performed a piece honoring the Hindu goddess Kali. Her performance emphasized the emotional connectivity between dancer and audience. Kar highlighted hospitality as a universal cultural theme, noting that the festival unified diverse traditions.
Community Engagement and Cultural Exchange
Volunteers like Jim and Sue Martz contributed by assisting at Compass International, teaching English and supporting homework sessions for children. The participation of immigrants from diverse origins emphasized the cultural diversity present in Valparaiso.
Leading the Parade of Nations
Antonio Perez, having immigrated from Guadalajara, Mexico, led the parade of nations, celebrating the multicultural makeup of Northwest Indiana. Charles “Big Tiny” Canty, representing Nigeria, reflected on the town’s evolving diversity, acknowledging both past struggles and present inclusivity. Valparaiso’s World Cultural Festival thus offered a vivid demonstration of cultural richness and unity.
Doug Ross contributed reporting for the Post-Tribune.