By Okon Ekpenyong

There is a new event in Central Ohio that is certain to be a smash hit for years to come, and that’s the Columbus International Festa-val. This celebration promises to bring diverse cultures together.

With a fashion show, belly dancing, a volunteer recognition award, Polynesian dance, spoken word art, and a live auction, there was something for everyone during the inaugural celebration, which took place on Sunday, August 27, 2023. The event was at the Franklin County Fairgrounds at 4951 Northwest Parkway in Hilliard, Ohio.

And much credit to Festa, a nonprofit organization based in Central Ohio, which helps families in need regardless of ethnicity, for organizing this magnificent gathering with its sponsors.

A driving force behind the organization is using three pillars, which include feeding, educating, and serving the community. They offer three-generation family English classes and free summer lunch programs and are dedicated to connecting individuals with various resources to help them succeed.

“Half of what we do as a non-profit is to mobilize volunteerism by encouraging people of all ages to serve their community, and the beauty of it all is that people are both serving and receiving resources simultaneously,” said Kim Emch, the founder of Festa. It is important to note that volunteers played an essential role in the success of Sunday’s event.

The word ‘festa’ comes from the Latin word ‘festum’ meaning ‘feast’ or ‘festival’. Generally, it refers to a celebration or holiday marked by festivities and rejoicing.

“Having the event in Hilliard shows that we are one community, and We are one Hilliard community, meaning we are here for each other,” said Hilliard City Council Vice-President Cynthia Vermillion.

“And Such festivities not only make me appreciate my heritage even more but make me want to be more involved in promoting my culture while living abroad.”

Rachel Fuller, the program manager, and Kim Emch, the founder and Executive director at Festa, explained that the goal of Festa is to celebrate diversity and foster understanding between different cultures.

“We hope the event will bring together people from all walks of life, from more than sixty countries, to share their experiences and celebrate their differences. The event is a unique opportunity for the Central Ohio community to show its commitment to creating an inclusive and understanding environment for everyone”, said Fuller and Emch.

It was a day filled with multiple festivities, including the tasting of food samples from many countries such as India, Mexico, Ukraine, Pakistan, and much more, as well as the Irish Riverdance put on by the Rankin Holland Irish Dance Academy.

There are already so many festivals in Columbus celebrating one country, such as the Somali Cultural Festival, the Cultural Fusion Festival by the Liberian community, the Columbus Egyptian, the Macedonian Festival, and much more. But this new festa-val is already on the verge of being one of the largest multicultural festivals in Columbus, Ohio.

Arab American Association of Ohio helped kick off the inaugural event with a Dabkeh Dance performance, and oh my gosh, those dancers ensured the event gave the attendees plenty of reasons to stick around throughout the event.

The Dabkeh Dance performance was a spectacular show that mesmerized the audience with its dynamic moves and colorful costumes. The performers’ moves perfectly synchronized with the rhythm of the music, creating an unforgettable atmosphere that kept the audience captivated. The performance was a highlight of the event and a unique experience for everyone.

“The first annual Festa-val was an unqualified success. I enjoyed Indian and Irish dancing and a wonderful fashion show featuring traditional clothing from Palestine, Morocco, Japan, India, and Jordan”, said Councilwoman Cynthia Vermillion.

The entire day was a celebration of the cultural diversity of Columbus by bringing together people of all nationalities and backgrounds for a day of festivities. The inaugural festival featured food, music, dancing, and art from around the world, as well as performances and demonstrations from various cultures. It lived up to the expectations and hype, especially for someone like me who covers multiple cultural events.

And oh, my goodness, there were so many pastries from India, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, Palestine, Turkey, Ukraine, etc. Whether it is a flaky and buttery croissant from France, a fluffy and sweet castella cake from Japan, or a crispy and crunchy empanada from Argentina, pastries have become a part of many cultures around the world. Every country has its unique recipes that bring people together and create a sense of national pride.

In the tasting room, there were tamales from Mexico, rice from India, and pastries from over 15 countries, ensuring the event’s success may not be a one-hit wonder after all. It celebrates the best of Central Ohio by showcasing the unique cultures present in the area through food, music, and art”, said one African American family.

The event also allows for an exchange of knowledge between different cultures, creating a deeper understanding of the world around us and celebrating the cultural richness of the Central Ohio community.

Through interactive activities, performances, and exhibitions, Festa encourages the community to become better acquainted with each other’s backgrounds and to foster an environment of acceptance and understanding. Festa strives to create a space where everyone can feel welcome and safe to celebrate their heritage and culture.

A significant component of Festa’s fundraising campaign was the sale of general admission tickets, corporate sponsors, and an option to add a tasting room experience.

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