The World Comes to Southern California

Today I had the chance to attend the International Festival that took place at a local university in Southern California. If I am reticent to mention the name of this institution it is only because I don't want to place too much emphasis on location. This was a world-spanning event that has been ongoing for ten years, and afforded the opportunity for many cultures to perform. It was a meeting ground for people of all ages and all backgrounds, and there was an excitement and eagerness that was evident as people walked among the booths, sampling products and foods from throughout the world.

The event was very-well attended. There was a long line of cars waiting to enter, and at first I thought I wouldn't be charged the $10 parking fee. It turns out that those people who arrive before 10:00 a.m. are assumed to be vendors, and are directed to free and adjacent lots. I am not a vendor, however, and these lots were already filled. So, I paid and parked in a field.

The first group I saw as a ballet folklorico from Lake Forrest. It was a spirited group that I have seen at other venues. Today they brought their entire troupe, from children to adults, and performed dances from various states ranging from Zacatecas (the opening suite) to Baja California Norte.  

I was pleased to see how many people were in the audience at an early point of the day. It was cloudy and cool, and yet there were many who made the trip to see these performers.

There were many other performing groups. Here are a few pictures of Son Merekumbe, an Afro/Latin Dance group that performed dances from the Ivory Coast, from Belize and from Colombia. They were quite vigorous, with insistent drums of varying rhythms to accompany their dances.

The Taiko groups were very energetic, producing pounding rhythms that were projected throughout the indoor recreation facility. Their dance moves were visually entrancing as well, and they seemed to have a certain visual flair. I say this because they were in synch, and because they incorporated various gestures and ritual chants (including shouts) that served as a choreography for the music.

There were several Taiko groups. Since this is a university that was financed by contributors from Japan, it was to be expected that they would highlight Japanese culture, although this was only one element of the experience here.

It was a beautiful day that started as well as ended on a cloudy note, but that was amply compensated for by the energy and light of the performers.

I look forward to this event, having attended for two years and hoping to attend many future installments. It is an uplifting experience.

Eternal Observer -- ORomero (c) 2011
Copyrights ORomero 2011