World Village Festival recognizes Boise’s multicultural community

Idaho is home to people from many cultural backgrounds, from Mexico to the Middle East to Asia and Africa. Boise’s annual World Village Festival kicks off Thursday evening with a short film about a Boise author and illustrator born in the 1840s.

The movie marks the beginning of a celebration that runs through Saturday, primarily at Cecil D. Andrus Park. Food, music, crafts and performance art from dozens of indigenous and multi-national origins will be spotlighted on the lawn next to the Capitol building.

Donna Kovaleski is the Executive Director of Global Lounge, the nonprofit organizing the annual festival. She says the event aims to connect and educate the Boise community on its diverse backgrounds.

“We want to open people’s hearts, show them the beauty of our community, show them how amazing diversity is because it brings so many different perspectives to any one situation.”

Planned performers include Chinese, Mesoamerican and Latin American-style dance groups, and a fashion show. Soul singer Lee Fields will perform Friday at the Treefort Music Hall.

Kovaleski says the festival is an opportunity to unite Idahoans through their differences.

“Every one of us in Idaho deserves to have an enriching cultural experience, and we really hope that it is that for everyone who comes.”

The World Village Festival is free and open to all ages this weekend.