You don’t need a passport to experience cultures from around the world this summer and fall.
The Delaware River Waterfront is once again inviting Philadelphians to travel the world without leaving the city as the PECO Multicultural Series returns with free festivals celebrating music, food, art and traditions from across the globe.
Spanning August through October, the annual series is held over six weekends, and the festivals are meant to highlight the many communities that call the Philadelphia region home.
“Philadelphia’s diversity is one of the city’s greatest strengths, and the waterfront is proud to be a place where communities can come together to celebrate tradition,” says Sarah Eberle, VP of Arts & Programming at the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation. “These festivals create opportunities for people of all backgrounds to experience something new, connect with one another and celebrate the incredible cultural richness that exists across our region.”
The festivities begin Aug. 2 with the ACANA Festival, which has grown into one of the region’s premier showcases of African culture. Drawing thousands of attendees each year, the festival features live entertainment, cultural performances, traditional cuisine and more than 45 vendors representing communities across the African diaspora.
On Aug. 15, the Festival of India will celebrate India’s Independence Day with Bollywood performances, music, regional cuisine, shopping and family-friendly activities. The following day (Aug. 16), the Caribbean Festival will mark its 40th anniversary with performances by local and international artists, island-inspired food, fashion showcases and community awards recognizing leaders throughout the Caribbean community.
The multicultural celebration continues Aug. 29 with Celebrate Asia, which will spotlight the traditions and cultures of communities from across Asia through live performances, authentic cuisine, cultural demonstrations and interactive family activities. Brazilian Day Philadelphia follows on Sept. 6, commemorating Brazil’s Independence Day with high-energy music, dance, martial arts demonstrations and other presentations designed to educate.
The fun continues on Sept. 13 with the Mexican Independence Day Festival featuring folkloric dance performances, live mariachi music, artisan vendors, authentic cuisine and the traditional “El Grito” ceremony.
One of the series’ signature events returns Sept. 19-20 with the seventh annual We Are the Seeds: Indigenous Arts & Culture Festival + Pow Wow. The two-day celebration honors Indigenous arts and cultures through a powwow featuring dancers and singers representing more than 40 Tribal Nations, alongside artist presentations, live painting, workshops, films, storytelling and an expansive Indigenous art market.
The festival concludes Oct. 24 with Taste of the Philippines, an annual celebration of Filipino-American Heritage Month featuring traditional cuisine, cultural performances, entertainment and a bustling marketplace.
The celebration extends beyond the festival weekends with free Latin Nights: Salsa & Bachata at Spruce Street Harbor Park on Aug. 7 and Sept. 4. Led by professional instructors and accompanied by DJ Valentin of Dance Philly, the evenings invite dancers of all skill levels to learn salsa and bachata before enjoying an outdoor dance party along the waterfront.
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