By WINTER JOHNSON Special to the Daily Press
OCEAN PARK BLVD. — One of the largest community gatherings will be staged this weekend, offering Santa Monicans a cultural taste of the world.
Between 10,000 and 12,000 are expected to attend the 14th annual Santa Monica Festival, designed to blend world cultures with athleticism, and talent with youth to create what organizers describe as a fun-filled educational atmosphere.
Festival attendees can travel from Brazil to Mexico to Korea — all within the confines of Clover Park. The culinary offerings range between chicken curry from Jamaica to Mexican tamales to bignets from New Orleans.
Since its inception in 1990, the event has celebrated the rich cultural and environmental diversity of Santa Monica.
“In Santa Monica, there are Latino, African-American and Asian communities,” said Hamp Simmons, the director of City Hall’s cultural affairs division. “The festival celebrates these cultures, as well as the environment they’re on.”
The event will begin at 11 a.m. with the kick-off to Walk Santa Monica, a new initiative designed by City Hall’s “Active Living Program.” Based on the goal to keep Santa Monicans happy and healthy, the program encourages people to take 10,000 steps a day. Their first steps will lead them to the Windwings Workshop, hosted by Marni Gittleman. Festival attendees will be able to create their own wearable art to adorn themselves with during their first 1,000 steps. Designed to flow with the wind as a participant walks, their garb will transform them into something reminiscent of the Greek god Hermes.
Next, it’s off to Africa, or perhaps the British Isles. Santa Monicans will have a wide array of cultures to choose from: Afro-Latino, Afro-Brazilian, Indian, Afghani and more. Each booth, complete with natives from the culture they represent, will help guide the observer through a deeper understanding of the musical and dance practices of each nation.
Many of the workshops and performances feature children and local high school students in an effort to educate them about performing arts, as well as involve them in community activities. One performance, for example, entitled the “Downbeat Showdown,” will showcase local high school students in a bit of healthy competition as they vie for the award of best school band, singer and poet. Children will be able to dance to live music performed by a host of bands.
“We really want to make sure people, especially children, can experience art in their everyday lives,” Simmons said.
On Saturday, all those present should receive a healthy dose of art, fulfilling the mission of City Hall’s cultural affairs division. This year’s festival is sponsored by Yahoo and HBO.
“You go there and experience something unique,” said Afuka Hisa, education director of the Santa Monica Museum of Art and leader of this year’s “Superhero Workshop.” “People have come to know it as a festival that celebrates both Santa Monica and art.”
The 14th annual Santa Monica Festival takes place on Saturday, May 14, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Clover Park, 2600 Ocean Park Blvd.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 12, 2005. Read the original PDF.