Experience cultures from a multitude of countries around the world. Indulge in exotic foods from everywhere you could imagine. Watch performances by people from different regions around the world. The Ethnic Enrichment Festival gives you a taste of over fifty different countries, right in Kansas City.

“Living in a country with the diversity that we have, differences are often accepted but not largely acknowledged,” junior Hannah Hall said. “The festival allowed a space for numerous cultures to come together and not only accept their differences but embrace them and educate members of the community who were previously ignorant because of how our differences are downplayed in society.”

The 35th annual Ethnic Enrichment Festival took place at Swope Park from August 15th through August 18th. Once you’re in, you receive a fake passport that you can get stamped at different “countries” throughout the festival. Each country has their own booth run by volunteers where you can purchase foods commonly found in that country. Many of the booths also offer crafts, jewelry, and artwork.

The festival also offers stage entertainment. Watch live dancing and listen to live music from groups such as Serbian Orthodox Choir, Indonesian folk dancers, Jamaican Reggae bands and an extensive list of others. They also host a fashion show displaying traditional clothing from different countries.

The Ethnic Enrichment festival was started mainly to focus attention on cultural heritage. It aims to foster understanding and appreciation of the cultural diversity in the Kansas City area.

“For me,” Hall said, “it shifted our differences from something to overcome to something to understand and welcome.”