Flags, food and performances from around the world will take over Water Street during the seventh annual International Culturefest.
The two-day event runs Aug. 2 and 3 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is hosted by the Saint John Newcomers Centre. It features music, dance, street food, crafts and cultural displays from more than 20 ethnic groups.
Co-director Lorne Daltrop said the festival was designed to reflect the city’s growing diversity and to create a space where everyone feels welcome.
“That was our intention right from the start,” Daltrop said. “From the hanging of over 300 country flags on either side of the street, that was intended to give Water Street the flavour of the United Nations.”
Daltrop said attendance has grown steadily, with an estimated 10,000 people taking part over two days in past years.
“If we have great weather like it is today, then we’re looking forward to that and maybe even more,” he said.
The festival runs during the day and connects with the Area 506 Music Festival in the evening, creating a full weekend of activity in uptown Saint John.
Visitors can explore a cultural village with booths from groups such as the Indo-Canadian Society, Arab Cultural Association and Ukrainian Association.
Family-friendly activities, traditional games and hands-on experiences will also be available.
Community organizations, including Black Lives Matter, YMCA, Working NB and Canadian Blood Services, will be on site to share resources and connect with attendees.
The Saint John Newcomers Centre has hosted the event since 2009 to support newcomer settlement and promote cultural understanding.
