1. References

2. External links

The International Institute of Minnesota's Festival of Nations, now entering its 87th year, has never been more important in helping Minnesotans to learn about and understand the richness that diverse cultures bring to our state. The Festival of Nations is the longest-running multicultural festival in the Midwest. Each year, the Institute collaborates with more than 90 ethnic groups to give immigrants a platform to share their cultural heritage. It is a valuable introduction to other cultures for the 50,000 or more people who attend each year, including nearly 20,000 students.

Launched in 1932, when there were few opportunities for immigrant groups to break down barriers to their acceptance into the community, the first Festival of Nations allowed those immigrants to share their stories. Today, the population of Minnesota is far more diverse and the Festival is a not-to-be-missed cultural event. The Festival is a highlight of the year for school children, families and anyone interested in exploring “the world” as it is represented in the Twin Cities. Some of the features of the four-day festival are:

• A global marketplace and bazaar, featuring a diverse collection of goods and crafts inspired by ethnic cultures and traditions from around the world.

• A cultural exhibits area, which focuses on an umbrella theme to which participating groups can respond. The 2019 theme is "A Celebration of World Festivals." Groups submit proposals to become featured cultural exhibit, and those proposals are reviewed by a panel of judges. Four groups receive a stipend to aid in the development and design of their exhibits. In 2018, the Taiwanese Cultural Exhibit compared traditional general stores and modern convenience stores to examine how material culture has transitioned in everyday Taiwanese life.

• Folk art demonstrations, which highlight the art itself, and the people who create the art. Watching the creation of new works builds appreciation for the story being told through this medium.

• Cafés where guests can taste the wide variety of cuisines that immigrants have introduced Minnesota. Last year, there were 35 different cuisines to enjoy, from American Indian to Peruvian, and Danish to Nepalese.

• A storytellers stage featuring both New American students from Minneapolis and St. Paul High Schools sharing their stories of immigration, family, school, change, and their American dreams and the professional storytellers of Story Arts Minnesota sharing legends and folktales from around the globe.

The Festival of Nations is currently directed by Aisling Reynolds. The goal of the Festival is "the opportunity to develop an appreciation, rather than just a tolerance of the culture of others".

References

External links

• {{Official website|http://www.festivalofnations.com/}}

• Sir John FitzSymond
• Sir John Fletcher
• Sir John Flett
• Sir John Floyer
• Sir John Forbes, 3rd Baronet
• Sir John Fortescue Aland
• Sir John Fowell, 2nd Baronet
• Sir John Fowell, 3rd Baronet
• Sir John Fox Burgoyne
• Sir John Frank Charles Kingman
• Sir John Frederick Drughorn
• Sir John Frederick Drughorn, 1st Baronet
• Sir John Frederick Rossiter
• Sir John Frederick van Freisendorf
• Sir John Freke, 3rd Baronet
• Sir John Friend
• Sir John Fryer, 1st Baronet
• Sir John Gage (15th-century landowner)
• Sir John Gage, 1st Baronet
• Sir John Gay Alleyne
• Sir John Gell, 2nd Baronet
• Sir John Gibbons, 2nd Baronet
• Sir John Gielgud Award
• Sir John Glanvill
• Sir John Glanville