WorldFest is back, and once again the Belvedere will host a celebration of Louisville’s diversity, featuring music, dance, culture and education. It’s a sensory overload, with so much to do, see and learn, although what keeps many of us marking our calendars each year is the international cuisine.
Food choices vary from year to year, and the mystery makes an afternoon’s foraging great fun. Looking back at articles and reviews from previous WorldFests yields a glimpse of the possibilities: Ethiopian, Vietnamese, Colombian, Chinese, German, Turkish, Cuban, Somali and many other cuisines reflecting the international character of Louisville.
With over 100 languages spoken in the Louisville public schools and 35 percent of the city’s population growth over the past 17 years coming from international residents from over 150 different countries throughout the world, Louisville is more culturally diverse than ever before.
“Cities that embrace and encourage their international citizens and cultures will thrive, have a stronger quality of life and will attract new growth and jobs,” says Mayor Greg Fischer at the festival’s web site. “WorldFest is a great event for exploring and celebrating Louisville’s many faces and cultures and we always look to make it more vibrant, diverse and educational. So, it’s exciting to add many new features and attractions for the 17th Annual WorldFest.”
WorldFest is located at the Belvedere, with the entrance at 5th and Main Streets. Admittance is free of charge, and hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Friday – Sunday) and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday.
