Fatima Luong was with her mom Sophia Lanteros, both from Valparaiso, and devoted her Sunday afternoon in downtown Valparaiso at Central Park Plaza to attend the 15th annual World Cultural Festival.
Gathered among the more than 1,000 attendees of all ages and from all family fabric heritages, festival goers shared a celebration symbolized by highlights of the cuisine, music and customs globally connecting all generations, presented by the Valparaiso International Center.
“We have something additional to celebrate,” Lanteros said.
“It is my mom’s 79th birthday this month on Sept. 30, and since we both live right here in Valparaiso, we decided to attend this event for the first time. We’re not even looking for any early birthday cake. We are looking for a favorite recipe, tacos al pastor, which have a delicious marinated shredded pork center.”
Lucia Otten, 21, a senior at Valparaiso University, served as the assistant coordinator for this year’s cultural fest which included music and dance of varied international flare on the Central Park Plaza outdoor stage and a variety of food, vendors and activity booths stationed throughout the neighboring open-air pavilion across the grassy knoll.
“I can still recall attending the very first of these cultural fests 15 years ago when it was just a small gathering with a couple folding tables and a few dance demonstrations in the parking lot of the cultural center along East Lincolnway,” Otten said.
“To see how this event has grown and how it is so embraced by families and community support is so incredible.”
Menu choices Sunday included favorites from Spanish rice paella, roast lamb, garbanzo beans and spicy jerk chicken to shrimp pad Thai and the favored flatbread called buttered naan, along with assorted coffees from Kenya, Honduras and Guatemala.
Minakshi Ghuman of Valparaiso wore a badge Sunday identifying her as representative of her own Hindu life at her booth to answer questions.
“I’ve spent more than 40 years active with the Valparaiso University International Center and though I no longer serve on any of the boards or committees, I’m still a very active volunteer helping in any way I can,” Ghuman said.
“I love that this is a way to give back.”
Following the dance and music demonstrations, which included representations of the sounds and ceremonial movements of India, the United States, Scotland, Poland, China, Africa, Native American and Latin America, a “Parade of Nations” displayed both pageantry and a connective community.
“I’m proud of who I am and where I live,” said Yanxia Schiesser, of Portage, adorned in colorful Asian garments and carrying a paper parasol.
“This annual event is a wonderful celebration, and it represents everyone.”
Philip Potempa is a freelance reporter for The Post-Tribune.
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