Some say Aurora is like having “the world in a city.” The city stakes the claim to being the most diverse in Colorado and one of the most culturally representative cities in America. One in five Aurorans was not born in the U.S., according to statistics provide by the city.
Aurora will celebrate its diversity Aug. 19 during its tenth annual Global Fest. “Global Fest is a multicultural experience bringing the sights, sounds and flavors of nations from around the world to celebrate the diverse people and communities that call Aurora home,” according to a fact sheet on the event published by the city. “The family-friendly, one-day event includes two stages of vibrant musical and dance performances, a variety of local food trucks, an international marketplace, the Parade of Nations, a Fashion Show, art displays, creative activities for children, and much more.”
Global Fest will be from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the lawn of Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway. Festgoers can take the R line light rail train to the Aurora Metro Station. Fares are free in August.
Denver7 reporter master of ceremonies
For the third year, master of ceremonies for the event will be Denver7 social equity reporter Micah Smith. Smith anchors the weekday 4 p.m. newscast and hosts “Real Talk,” a weekly public affairs show focusing on the stories and experiences of underserved communities.
“During my first year emceeing the event, I was so excited to see all of the countries and nationalities that are represented in Aurora, and surprised to learn it is the most diverse city in Colorado,” Smith states on the event website. “As someone who values diversity and is always working to make spaces more inclusive, Global Fest is the physical embodiment of so many of those goals. Often, diversity and inclusion discussions happen after something unfortunate has happened. But Global Fest is a celebratory time when the diversity and inclusion are front and center and the entire Aurora community can simply appreciate all of the cultures represented in the city.”
With a population of almost 400,000, Aurora is Colorado’s third-largest city. The Aurora foreign-born population is made up of people from many countries around the world, though Mexico is the most common place of birth, according to city data. Ethiopia, Vietnam, Korea, El Salvador, and India are other common places of birth.
Dances of nations
An Ethiopian dance group often includes “immigrant family members coming together to celebrate their shared roots,” according to the fact sheet. “This unity across generations exemplifies their commitment to preserving and passing down traditions that date back through previous generations. The attire worn by performers is a visual embodiment of Ethiopian culture and symbolism.”
One of the most compelling performances at Global Fest is "Journey of Unity," which “showcases the harmonious coexistence of tradition and modernity,” according to the fact sheet. “Through captivating dances and expressive music, they portray the transformative journey of Ethiopian immigrants, weaving a narrative of resilience, adaptation, and the preservation of identity.”
Romanian, Venezuelan
A Romanian dance group also will perform. “The dances are very different and used to be performed in the village at parties,” according to the Global Fest fact sheet. “Those were times when young boys and girls were introduced to each other (getting out into society). They wear authentic handmade Romanian folk costumes, some dating back 100 years.”
A Venezuelan dance will offer a salsa flavor. “Venezuela Renaciente was founded by Diana Meneses, a professional dancer with over 18 years of experience in the field of Venezuelan folk dance and other genres,” according to the fact sheet. “She arrived in Colorado in 2018 and like many immigrants had to put aside her passion for dance, but in 2019 seeing the passion of her young daughter for dance, she wanted to show her the Venezuelan culture through dance.”
What began as six Venezuelan students in the folk ensemble has expanded to 35 children of different nationalities (Peru, Mexico, El Salvador, Colombia, and U.S.)
A Mexican folk dance group also will perform. “This year’s production is “Nuestras Raíces: Granja Hernandez,” according to the fact sheet. “It will take the audience through a journey into a family corn farm where they present the many stages to produce crops to feed their communities.”
More than 160 languages spoken in Aurora
Several countries will be represented by food trucks. There will be Senegalese food, Mexican street tacos and ice cream from New Zealand, according to the fact sheet.
About 160 languages are spoken in Aurora public schools, according to city officials, including English, Spanish, Amharic, Somali, Arabic, Vietnamese, Nepali, Burmese, Oromo, Tigrinya, Karen, Russian, Korean, Chinese (Mandarin) and Vietnamese.
Bags at Global Fest are subject to inspection. No animals will be allowed with the exception of service animals. No glass bottles will be permitted. No unlawful devices can be brought to the event. No illegal substances permitted. No open carry of firearms. No outside alcohol. No unauthorized sound amplification devices.
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