Rich colors and fabrics, scents of spices and traditional foods, and the feet pounding rhythms of music and dance – The World of Montgomery Festival celebrates and displays the rich cultural heritages of the DC Area.  The festival will be held at Westfield Wheaton Plaza Mall parking lot (next to the metro) on Sunday, October 19^th, 2014, from noon to 5:00pm.  This free family-friendly event explores cultural diversita with international music, food, dance, exhibits and hands-on arts and crafts activities.

The festival features a global kitchen with international chefs offering classes on regional cooking; a Parade of Cultures that circles the festival grounds with dancers, dragons and drummers; and a variety of country tents in the international village where children and adults can make their own traditional crafts, and enjoy music, performances and games.  There will be two entertainment stages, a craft market, ethnic food vendors, and fun activities for the whole family. KID Museum will debut its kite exhibit, “Kites, Flying Machines and Life in the Air,” which will feature kites from around the world and kid-friendly activities where children can make their own flying toys.  The kite display will be the inaugural exhibit at KID Museum’s prototype space at Davis Library when the museum opens to the public on Sunday, October 26.

The performance stage and Parade of Cultures will showcase dancers and musicians in native dress from a wide variety of international backgrounds.  The international village will feature the four countries of India, El Salvador, China, and Ethiopia.  China’s tent features Chinese lanterns, a large Chinese dragon, and a smaller dragon for children to try out, exhibitions of the art of Chinese painting and traditional Chinese costumes, along with the opportunity to learn to write Chinese characters.    At the India tent visitors can apply a bindi (forehead jewels), try on a saree or a turban, or have henna artists decorate their hands.  At the tent from Ethiopia, festival goers have the experience of watching a traditional coffee ceremony, playing Ethiopian children’s games, and writing their names in Amharic.  When visiting El Salvador, visitors can learn how to paint traditional El Salvadoran art or explore their art through games, music, and art.

This event is a highly interactive experience where participants are able to engage in creative projects from the diverse communities that make up some of the largest immigrant populations in Montgomery County and the DC area.  The exhibits include culturally authentic arts demonstrations and activities aimed at promoting international and multi-cultural awareness.

Admission is free.  Free parking is available nearby.  Participants can also take the Metro to the Wheaton Station which is located two blocks away from the festival grounds.  The event address is 11160 Veirs Mill Rd, Wheaton-Glenmont, MD  20902.

For more information, visit www.worldofmontgomery.com.