Multicultural Festival marks 30 years of celebrating Chandler’s diversity

Chandler's population reflects a wide variety of countries, cultures, and races - all of which make it one of the most diverse communities in Arizona. Since 1995, the city has celebrated this blend of heritage and international flavor through its annual Multicultural Festival, part of the city's Celebration of Unity held each January to honor the spirit and ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the civil rights movement.

"Ever since it was started by the Friends of the Chandler Library, the Multicultural Festival has been about connecting our community by showcasing entertainment styles and culinary traditions of many of the cultures that are represented here," said Niki Tapia, Chandler's diversity, equity and inclusion officer. "It also gives attendees a chance to discover and learn about some of the community service groups, nonprofits, faith organizations and educational opportunities that can be found in Chandler."

The 30th Annual Multicultural Festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18, at the Stage Plaza, 178 E. Commonwealth Ave., on the east side of Dr. A.J. Chandler Park. Admission is free, and ample free parking is available in the area.

The DEI team has partnered with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services to host a Naturalization Ceremony before the festival begins. During this special event, approximately 100 individuals will become U.S. citizens. The city is honored to celebrate this milestone as a kickoff to such an inclusive and festive event.

Festival Activities

According to Tapia, this year's event will be the largest to date, featuring two entertainment stages showcasing music, dance, storytelling and martial arts performances by local and international artists. A variety of ethnic food offerings will be available for purchase and are sure to impress culinary explorers. The event also features an International Shopping Market with unique treasures from around the globe. Children can enjoy free activities, including a trip around the world interactive activity, educational STEM booths and the AZ Cardinals inflatable obstacle course.

New this year is the Custom Cruiser Car Show, featuring Custom vehicles from all over the valley. Trophies will be presented to the first, second and third-place cars, and attendees will vote for the People's Choice Award.

The festival will also honor Miss Indian Arizona, Isabella Kara Newman of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, and Miss Juneteenth Arizona first runner-up, Alyssa Morrison. Additionally, the winners of the annual Creative Expressions Competition will be announced. The competition invites Chandler students to share visual or written works that reflect this year's theme: "Inclusion is Our Superpower."

Food & Performances

Food is one of the most accessible ways to learn about different cultures, and this year's food vendors will showcase international cuisine from Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas. Attendees can sample dishes representing Jamaica and the Caribbean, Mexico, Colombia, Hawaii, the Philippines, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, India, France, Germany and Croatia, as well as American fare, including Philly cheesesteaks, Southern comfort food and Hawaiian barbecue.

With two stages of entertainment, performances will be nearly nonstop, offering something for everyone.

The Unity Stage will feature cultural performances, including:

• Lion Dancer Ty Ng and the Cast of Arizona Art Academy
• Irish rock band Kilted Spirit
• Native American songs, stories, and dances by Tony Duncan
• Soulful singer Sandra Bassett
• Chilean music and dances by Chilenos Sin Fronteras
• ASU student band A3X

The nearby Cross-Cultural Stage will highlight community performers, such as:

• Flamenco guitarists Guitarras Latinas
• Middle Eastern and Mediterranean belly dancing
• Energetic and colorful Indian dances
• Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli-AZ
• Chinese Kung Fu and Korean Taekwondo exhibitions
• Vietnamese, Chinese, and Haitian cultural dances
• The Prancing Panthers Majorettes, a dynamic troupe blending West African, jazz, contemporary and hip-hop choreography.

Honoring History

Tapia, who began working for the city of Chandler in 1997, has been closely involved with the festival for most of her career. While the size and scope of the Multicultural Festival and Celebration of Unity events have varied over the years, Tapia says community support has remained strong.

"This event has always been about demonstrating that our rich cultural diversity contributes to our quality of life, and that mutual respect and inclusion connect us and make our community stronger," Tapia said. "I hope people will come out to the Multicultural Festival on Jan. 18 and see for themselves how Chandler has become more diverse through the years and welcomed that cultural connection."

For more information, including a complete entertainment schedule, visit Chandler Multicultural Festival.

_{This article also was featured in the SanTan Sun News.}