Festivals and Parties

Festivals and Parties  » Ethnic and Heritage Festivals

Ethnic and Heritage Festivals

"Attendance at an ethnic event while traveling is a great way to

experience the heritage of the area being visited. It can also

be a way to introduce the traditions of a travel destination

that will be featured on an upcoming international itinerary."

For over six centuries people have been arriving on these shores

to find a new home. Most have sought to blend with the

multi-cultural way of life that is now the norm in almost all

communities and regions throughout the continent. However,

carrying on heritage traditions has also been an important part

of establishing a new life in the Americas for most immigrants.

Celebrations of these traditions come in many forms such as a

family gathering for ethnic meals, cultural clubs where groups

participate in dances and ceremonies, religious celebrations

that honor certain ethnic rituals, community heritage festivals

and ethnic events. An important purpose of all these gatherings

is to hand down heritage values and activities from one

generation to the next and to remind all who participate of the

contribution the ethnic influence has had in formulating the

diverse North American society.

Here are some ethnic and heritage events to consider including

in your travel

plans.

Native Americans

The passage of heritage rites and traditions is important to all

Native American and First Nation peoples. The focal point of

many powwows and native fairs is the telling of stories about

tribal ancestors and beliefs that are handed down from the

elders to the younger generations. Highlighted by the use of

colorful costumes, dances and ceremonies, these gatherings are

considered sacred rituals, but visitors are often welcome to

observe. Tribal cultural centers and guides provide an

opportunity for visitors to learn about the history and beliefs

of a tribe as well as the significance of the performances and

ceremonies being presented. Most events have food booths and

display crafts of the tribe. The Red Earth Festival, in Oklahoma

City, OK is the largest Native American cultural and arts

exposition in the world. More than 2000 artists, dancers and

singers from more than 100 tribes across North American convene

each June at the downtown Cox Business Services Convention

Center. Contact 405-427-5228, www.redearth.org

Latino Experience

The celebrations for those with Latin roots and particularly

with Mexican heritage are found in communities located

throughout the Western states. The most widely celebrated

Today's Popular Articles

• Free Music Festival in Barcelona. BAM festival gets ready for its 2005 edition.

• La Mercé Festival - Barcelona

Mexican events that offer cultural experiences for visitors

include fiestas, Cinco de Mayo (victory over France), Dia de los

Muertos (Day of the Dead), Dia de la Independencia (Independence

Day) and Posadas (parades commemorating Mary and Joseph journey

into Bethlehem). Some communities also celebrate Dia de la

Candelaria, a religious celebration that features candlelight

processions through the streets of the town and dancing. Music

is always present at Mexican events, and you will find that the

religious occasions are filled with drama, pageantry and

ceremony while other events are festive and will have fairs,

parades, competitions, food, dance and colorful costuming and

decorations. Mexican heritage events are listed on most

community event calendars. Two resources useful for learning

more about Mexican holidays

The Latin influence and experience are much farther reaching

than Mexico. Other Latin nations and cultures are represented in

the West with many celebrating Carnival, including San Francisco

which is host to the largest celebration of its kind in

California.

This article is sponsored by: www.grouptravelblog.com

About the author:

We are in travel business and want to provide information about

different destinations of united states of america.