Aurora’s 11th annual Global Fest will showcase a parade of nations, a diverse array of food, a variety of vendors, a fashion show, as well as dances, music performances. 

The event is happening on Saturday, Aug. 17, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., on the lawn of the Aurora Municipal Center at 15151 E. Alameda Parkway.

“As one of the most diverse cities in Colorado, we come together for the Global Fest to celebrate the diversity in our city. It’s truly an international event, and everyone is so proud to highlight and promote their own country,” said Aurora Manager of International and Immigrant Affairs Ricardo Gambetta.

Gambetta, who organized the event this year, said one of his favorite parts of the festival is experiencing different sights, smells and sounds.

“You see so many different outfits and flags represented, you smell all kinds of different foods, and you hear all sorts of music, languages, and accents,” Gambetta told the Denver Gazette.

Taekwondo, Afro-fusion music, Mexican ballet folklorico

On-stage entertainment at the festival will include Taekwondo demonstrations, Afro-fusion music, Mexican ballet folklorico, a Columbian band, and more.

Aurora residents from around 60 countries will participate in the Parade of Nations, and participants will carry those countries’ flags.

They will also feature clothing that represents diverse cultures, which they’ll get to show off in the festival’s fashion show.

Another performance new to this festival is a traditional Taiwanese tea-picking ceremony by the Youth Culture Ambassador of NTPC.

This is a group of students from New Taipei City in Taiwan, who incorporate Hakka cultural elements into their performances, particularly through a traditional tea-picking dance.

Three Youth Culture Ambassadors will be performing at the Global Fest — Yu-Jr Tsai (Vicky), Xin-Yun Li (Cloud), and Yi-You Hung (Phoebe). They are university students from Taiwan who signed up to visit the U.S. for this festival, perform the traditional tea-picking dance, and design the booth content, according to Vincent Kang, a spokesperson for Youth Culture Ambassador NTPC.

Their first time visiting America, they told The Denver Gazette they are excited for the opportunity to experience America, while getting to show others their Taiwanese culture and traditions at the Global Fest.

A diverse array vendors

At least eight merchandise vendors will be at the event, selling jewelry, clothing, and accessories that are inspired by different cultures.

One returning vendor is a small, family-owned business called Abuelita’s Tiendita, and it will be selling Mexican folk art and clothing items imported directly from artists in Mexico.

Almost 20 food vendors will be at the event, selling a unique variety of food, drinks, and desserts from around the world.

Mexican, Nigerian, Panamanian, Nepalese, Caribbean, and Thai cuisine will be represented at the festival, including foods like empanadas, birria, ceviche, Jollof rice, tacos, churros, and shaved ice.

For more information on food being sold at the festival, visit this website.

Events and activities for kids

Kids are both allowed and encouraged to attend the festival, and there are many events catered to young people.

There is a Family Fun Center, sponsored by Donate Life Colorado, that has face painting, balloon animals, chalk, art, and other activities.

Kids can also visit two stages hosting live performances throughout the day, shop for toys or clothing in the International Marketplace, and collect free items and swag that vendors hand out, according to the Global Fest website.

Another new event is a free soccer clinic hosted by Colorado Soccer Foundation (CSF), whose coaches are prepared to lead skill sessions, facilitate scrimmages, and adapt to what the kids want and need.

CSF is a nonprofit organization that seeks to make the game accessible to all kids who want to play, according to CSF Executive Director Curtis Gardner.

The organization regularly serves the Aurora community through a program called Soccer After School, where it partners with elementary schools to host eight-week long soccer seasons for students at a reduced cost. It also has another program called Pick Up Play, and kids can play pick-up games at the CSF facility during open play hours at a reduced cost, Gardner told The Denver Gazette in an interview.

“We’re very grateful to the city of Aurora to be able to host a clinic and partner with them for the global fest,” he added.

Gambetta, the festival’s organizer, also mentioned that he is excited to have the soccer clinic at this year’s festival.

Things to know before you go

Festival-goers should also be aware that dogs are not allowed at the festival. Also not allowed are outside alcohol, glass bottles, illegal substances, open carry of firearms, illegal substances, and unauthorized sound amplification devices, according to the festival’s website.

Only around 100 people showed up at the festival’s first year.

The city expects 10,000 people this year.

And because of the number of people in attendance, parking space is limited.

Parking for the event is available and free at the Aurora Municipal Campus, but city officials recommend carpooling or taking public transportation.

For more information on carpool and public transportation, visit the city’s “event and parking maps” page.