A world of food, art and celebration comes to Aurora Saturday with the 12th annual Global Fest, boasting more than 25 performances, 30 food trucks and 60 vendors.

At Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Pkwy, the Parade of Nations will kick off the event at 11 a.m. Saturday. The parade features 65 countries, for the first time this year including Togo, Romania, Denmark, Panama, Norway, Honduras and Finland, according to a city press release.

Following the parade, festival attendees can meander through an array of colors, smells and sounds on the Great Lawn until the festival ends at 6 p.m.

It is free to the public.

Twenty food vendors will bring tastes from countries including Greece, Mexico, Nigeria, India and the Philippines, performers will dance and play music on two stages, art will come to life in an international fashion show, and kids can enjoy bounce structures and soccer challenges throughout the day.

More than 60 vendors, including toy makers and clothing artisans, will set up shop Saturday as well, according to the city’s website.

This year’s Global Fest will celebrate the legacy of musical artist Selena, with performer Mayra Alejandra playing tribute music. Before her show, attendees can compete in a Selena look-alike contest open to all ages. 

Aurora is one of Colorado’s most diverse cities, with about one in five of its 400,000 residents foreign-born and more than 160 languages spokes at Aurora schools. 

“Global Fest is an intentional event allowing the entire city to proudly embrace its global spirit,” according to the city’s website. “We welcome everyone to this event and share every moment.”

This year, Aurora held a global food competition, Global Flavors, leading up to the festival. A world of food was on this year’s roster of competitors, with nominated dishes from countries including Korea, Peru, Nepal, Japan, Nigeria, India and Brazil.

The top three winners of the competition will be recognized at Global Fest.

Aurora’s Global Fest falls on the same day that nationwide protests against President Donald Trump are planned in several Denver area cities, including Arvada, Boulder, Parker, Littleton and Golden.

Thousands are expected to march outside the Colorado state Capitol on Saturday, primarily protesting Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration, notably his decision to deploy federal agents to arrest and deport people illegally staying in the country. Trump had campaigned on the promise of curbing border crossings and deporting people convicted or accused of violent crimes.

Aurora spokesperson Joe Rubino told The Denver Gazette Friday that they cannot speculate on how the protests will impact Global Fest.

“We are focused on providing a safe and enjoyable event for all,” Rubino said.

More information about the event can be found on the city’s website.