A long-standing Albany tradition continues when the Empire State Plaza Convention Center hosts the 43rd annual Festival of Nations on Sunday, Oct. 26, in downtown Albany.
Organizations representing 27 different nations will attend the annual event, which dates back to 1972.
Argentia, Armenia, Bangladesh, Burma, China, Dominican Republic, Ethipoia, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Korea, Liberia, Lithuania, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, Russia, Scotland, Taiwan, Turkey and Ukraine – will all be represented this year.
“It’s a trip around the world for $5,” said Manoj Ajmera, festival chairman. “You get a glimpse of the world, and it’s fun with the family.”
Music, dance and food, all unique to each country, will be on display. For some festivalgoers, it will be an introduction to a brand-new culture.
As much as people will find something unique about a culture, Ajmera said, many will also the similarities among nations. For example, he said, where neighboring countries may have differences politically, such as India and Pakistan, they often share similarities in how food is prepared.
Ajmera, 73, has participated every year since the inception of the festival.
He said there are three main goals to the festival. The first is to prove that people from diverse backgrounds can work together. The second goal is to present a glimpse of the world to Capital District residents. The final goal is to promote an appreciation of one’s heritage among the children.
Another area participant calls his involvement with the Festival of Nations, a “labor of love.”
Rafi Topalian, who is President of the Capital District Armenian Cultural Organization, said world politics and prejudices are left at the door during the festival. What remains are the strong characters of each individual.
“With such division taking place around the world today, it is nice to have our community here in Upstate New York unify to appreciate one another’s culture,” he said. “This is America. We learn together, and we have a lot of fun.”
The day will begin at noon with a parade of the 27 nations represented. In addition to a stage full of native dances and music, the convention hall will be full of unique crafts and ethnic foods to enjoy. The day concludes with the crowning of the Miss Festival of Nations.
General admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children ages 3 to 12. For more information about the Festival of Nations, call (518) 371-3737 or visit www.festivalofnations.net.
