The International Festival of Holland brings the world’s art, music, and food to West Michigan on Saturday, September 27th from 4-8 pm at the Holland Civic Center. This free, family-friendly event features Main Stage performers, an International Food Court, a Festival Mercado (marketplace), and a Children’s Fiesta.
“The City of Holland has welcomed international business for many years,” said Esther Fifelski, director of the City of Holland Human Relations Department, “and now we have people from all over the world that live in our community. The festival is a great opportunity for us to come out, celebrate our world, and meet other people.”
Headlining the Festival Main Stage will be Firas Zreik, a world-renowned composer and master of the Kanun, a Middle Eastern zither-like string instrument. Since 2013, the Palestine born New Yorker has transformed global perception of the Kanun by preserving its identity as a vital part of Arabic classical music and by exploring its use across musical styles.
The Main Stage will also feature the Pokagon Tribe of the Potawatomi, African storytellers and musicians, a Japanese drumming ensemble, Chinese Dragon and Lion Dances, and a Mexican folk ballet.
The International Food Court will host nine food trucks on the north side of the Civic Center. Vendors will be offering Mediterranean schwarma, Filipino calderata (spicy beef stew), Korean glass noodles, Kenyan sweet fried rice, American Soul Food, international-inspired sausages, boba tea, and authentic Mexican birria, horchata and creamy mangonadas.
The Children’s Fiesta will run from 4-6 pm in the Market Side Room of the Civic Center. Hands-on global art for kids will be led by six community partners: CultureWorks Transformative Art + Design Academy, Empowering Youth Global Connection, Zeeland Christian School’s Trilingual Christian Education program, Korean Connection West Michigan, Central Wesleyan Church Slavic Community Group, and Rights-Centric Education.
More information, including volunteer signup, schedule, and map, visit internationalfestivalholland.com and follow along on Facebook and Instagram.
The International Festival of Holland is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible event. Requests for reasonable accommodation can be submitted online at www.internationalfestivalholland.com/attend or by calling 616-355-1319.
The International Festival is hosted by the City of Holland International Relations Commission and is generously sponsored by Midwest Communications WHTC & The Van, THE SPORTS FACILITIES COMPANIES, the Holland Area Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, the Flagstar Foundation, the MillerKnoll Foundation, Haworth Helps, the Brooks Family Community Fund, Metal Flow, PADNOS, Holland Hospital, and private contributors. For sponsorship opportunities or to make a donation, visit internationalfestivalholland.com.
