WILKES-BARRE – The annual celebration of diversity in Wilkes-Barre took center stage Saturday as the community hosted its ninth Multicultural Parade and Festival. Residents gathered to showcase a wide range of cultural backgrounds and traditions.
Community and Culture on Display
Erica Acosta, co-chair of the event, expressed her enthusiasm for highlighting the city’s rich cultural heritage, stating, “We are just excited just to bring all the different cultures that Wilkes-Barre and Luzerne County have to offer in one celebration.” The festivities commenced at noon, with participants gathering at the intersection of South and South Main Streets before marching through Public Square.
Cultural representation was significant, with many attendees carrying flags and symbols that represent their heritage. Among the participants was Melba Delvillar, leading a group from St. Nicholas-St. Mary’s Catholic Church to celebrate the Dominican community. She articulated her excitement about the gathering, emphasizing the importance of sharing their culture beyond family gatherings.
Fellow participant Elia Paris echoed this sentiment, highlighting the event’s role in fostering cultural exchange and integration. “We want the community to get integrated,” Paris said. “We want them to learn our culture…see how we dance, how we communicate, how we interact with one another. So, we want to welcome everyone.”
Among the parade participants was Mareli Bernard, a Wilkes University sophomore, who represented Puerto Rico. Originally from New York, she reflected on the significance of the event, noting the importance of embracing diverse heritages.
The Wilkes-Barre Area school district was also represented in the parade, with students from various cultural backgrounds marching together. Melissa Myers, the district’s director of English language development, stated that the school celebrates its students’ diverse languages, cultures, and traditions.
The festival featured a variety of performances showcasing the region’s diverse cultural acts. An Aztec dance troupe in traditional attire opened the show, celebrating Mexican heritage. Other performances included those from artist and poet Rose Daniels and the group Folcklores Andinos del Ecuador, dedicated to sharing Ecuadorian culture.
Participants like Maria Campoverde showcased Ecuadorian traditions, aiming to highlight the cultural significance of el Oriente, the Amazonian region of Ecuador. Jesus Sanchez, a member of the Aztec dance troupe, expressed pride in passing down Mexican traditions to younger generations.
Local resident Shanice Smith praised the festival as a wonderful opportunity to engage with different cultures. Similarly, Noor Almeky, representing her Egyptian heritage, commented on the event’s importance in promoting unity amid global challenges, expressing satisfaction in seeing the community come together.
The Multicultural Festival in Wilkes-Barre serves as a vibrant gathering where various cultures intersect, promoting understanding and appreciation among residents.
Why It Matters
Events like the Wilkes-Barre Multicultural Festival highlight the significance of cultural diversity in communities. By fostering intercultural dialogue and connection, such gatherings promote inclusivity and unity, reinforcing the idea that diversity enriches community life.
