WorldFest is the City's International Festival held annually on Labor Day Weekend
2008 PHOTOS
With at least 80 languages spoken in the Louisville public schools and 50 percent of the city’s population growth over the past 15 years coming from international residents, Louisville is more culturally diverse than ever before.
The celebration of these unique cultures in our community culminates in the annual WorldFest, the Office for International Affairs International Celebration.
WorldFest hosts the largest collection of local ethnic restaurants, vendors and exhibitors at any one event in the state of Kentucky, offering a wide array of cuisines, crafts and educational possibilities. The event is an opportunity to become more familiar with the International Community while honoring the traditions of our past and our future.
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See what went on at WorldFest 2008:-
A World of Performances
WorldFest featured continuous music on two stages of local and international talent. Performances included the local rhythms of Flamenco Louisville and the Latin rock of Del Castillo from Austin, Texas. There were also Middle Eastern, Bolivian and Caribbean music by local musicians. Additional out-of-town headliners included Celtic rock by the Glengarry Bhoys and reggae by The Ark Band. Click for Schedule
Eat Around the World
At WorldFest 2008, we hope you brought a healthy appetite! We invited all of our guests to sample delicious, authentic food from nations around the world including Germany, Thailand, Jamaica, Ethiopia, and more!
Shop Around the World
Of course we didn't want you leaving empty handed, so after you tasted the international cuisine, you could find that perfect gift for a special someone in one of the 40 craft booths selling handmade products with styles from Africa, Asia, Europe, and Central and South America.
Drink Around the World
With all the international food that guests were enjoying they were bound to get thirsty. This year we introduced an International Beverage Tent which included the Java International Coffee shop, the wine and spirits tent and the Budweiser Bier Garten. There were also scheduled flight samplings and educational speeches in each of these areas.
A World of Information
This year many of Louisville's local organizations could be found on the Belvedere with information on cultural, educational and social service groups.
A World of Prizes
There were many great gifts you could sign up to win at WorldFest:
- $500 of Louisville Original Gift Cards
- A Basket of International Coffee, care of Java Brewing Co.
- A Basket of beverages from around the world, care of Diageo
- Two $50 Gift Certificates from Tattoo Charlie's
- A Vera Bradley purse
- EarX-tacy gift certificates
- CityScoot Vouchers
- One Earthwoods Putter valued at $160, care of Louisville Golf
The Parade of Cultures
Held annually on the second day of the festival the parade featured local and regional residents in their native dress representing almost every culture in the world; music and performances from a variety of artists complement the experience.
The Naturalization Ceremony
Held annually on the first day of the event is collaboration between United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Office for International Affairs. The naturalization ceremony is the most diverse ever in the state with people from 92 countries being naturalized and featuring keynote speaker Ron Mazzoli. This event was held at the Convention Center and all new citizens paraded through the streets to the Belvedere in an act of solidarity and national pride.