Interested in expanding your cultural horizons but don’t have a passport? Look no further than the St. Paul Rivercentre! This weekend they will be hosting the Festival of Nations. The Festival of Nations features over 100 different ethnic groups that seek to give patrons insight on their customs and cultural influence. The Rivercentre is quite a sight during this event, which features many exhibits, demonstrations, a food court (the café), a bazaar and many engaging activities.

The café is filled with different booths that represent countries from all around the world and their staple food items. The Parisian desserts at the French café are always delectable, and the chicken adobo at the Filipino café is said to be truly authentic. These cafés even sell special candies, cheeses and host wine tasting events.

On the same level as the café is the bazaar. The bazaar features many shops from different countries selling items such as Egyptian headpieces and hachimakis, headbands decorated with slogans worn as symbols, from Japan. There are many demonstrators at the bazaar such as Dutch shoemakers and Henna artists.

Many performers and demonstrators also work at the event to display culturally-inspired talents. This year we can expect to see the Formosa Circus Arts Group from Taiwan and a Scandinavian Viking Age craft demonstrator. Most workers are dressed in cultural attire and the patrons have definitely followed their lead. This year’s theme is ‘folklore and fairytales,’ so a lot of costume play is expected.

Festival of Nations is open to the public from Friday, May 6 until Sunday, May 8. For adults, tickets are $13.50 at the door and $18 for a world pass which includes admission for all three days. Metro Transit is providing complimentary rides to the Rivercentre for the event with a pass that you can download for free on metrotransit.org