This past Saturday, my family and I spent the day in Wilkes Barre at their 9th annual Multicultural Festival. The parade and festival were held on public square and featured cultural organizations, community groups, businesses, schools, food vendors, and performers. People from varying cultures participated in the event and represented their countries with flags, traditional attire, and food from personal family recipes.

Colleges from the surrounding area such as Wilkes University, King’s College, and Luzerne County Community College made an appearance, along with the Wilkes-Barre Area School District. Wilkes University’s Sardoni Gallery had a table of their own set up, offering insight about what they do in the art community. I think it would be a great idea if next year Marywood attends and gives out information about our amazing art programs. There were a few tables of those selling personal artworks, and it was interesting to see individual styles and how culture may influence the way someone creates art.

After making my rounds at the tables, on the main stage, a bright flock of dancers caught my eye. About a dozen dancers took center stage, all dressed up in traditional Aztec dance attire (known as Danza Azteca or Conchero regalia) which includes big feather headdresses, ankle rattles, beaded or leather wrist cuffs, and more. Other than the beautiful and vibrant outfits, the striking makeup was also attention grabbing. They had painted their faces with geometric lines and tribal symbols across their cheekbones, forehead, and jawline. They used earthy pigments like deep reds, indigos, and metallic golds and silvers. Even from far away this makeup could be easily noticed. As I sat and watched them dance, I realized that their entire performance was an art in itself.

My entire experience this day made me appreciate culture in a whole new way. When viewing something through the lens of artistic expression, suddenly it carries much more meaning and life. Traditions are passed down from generation to generation, some remaining unchanged, and some getting a new spin. Either way, the vibrancy and uniqueness they carry stays the same, and I’m always happy when I’m given the opportunity to observe it.

Thanks for reading,

Phaedra