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Arts & Entertainment

Weekend Pick: Reston Multicultural Festival

Dance, song, food, crafts at Lake Anne Plaza this weekend.

Once a year, the Reston Multicultural Festival turns into a mini United Nations. With three stages of entertainment, food vendors, activities for children and an international craft bazaar, this event truly has something from everywhere for everyone.

The free festival starts Saturday at 11 a.m. with an official Naturalization ceremony at 11 a.m.

“The Naturalization ceremony adds so much to the festival. It is an incredible beginning – these people from around the world are taking the oath of allegiance to become citizens,” said Kevin Danaher, Director of Community Events at the .

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After the oath, the party begins.

Sixteen acts from around the area will perform on three stages between noon and 5 p.m. 

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“The Multicultural festival is very community based. Performers are from around the world, but they are also our neighbors,” said Danaher.

At 2 p.m., on the World Stage, Whirling Skirts bring their eclectic dance to the Reston Multicultural Festival

“Whirling Skirts is like the melting pot of dance. Their fun style of great dance is not done anywhere else, but has elements of everything from everywhere,” said Danaher.

On the Gallery Stage at 2:15 p.m., Khinezin Thu Win will be performing classic, intricate Burmese/Myanmar dance. Khinezin Thu Win has been learning this traditional dance in a non-traditional way: via Skype. Her teacher is based in Thailand, and their interaction is all online.

students are well represented at the Multicultural Festival.  Members of the South Lakes Chorus will be performing the National Anthem and the JROTC bring the colors to the opening ceremony.  In addition, the South Lakes’ Essence Dance Company  and Latina Danza will be performing on the Global Stage at 3 p.m.

Not to be missed is Elikeh, described by Danaher as a “Togolese infused afro pop” band, on the World Stage at 5 p.m.  Nine members strong, with two drummers, horn section, guitars and vocals, they will close this year’s festival on a high note.

The Global Café will have Thai food, Latin American Food and American food for sale. Danaher expects many of the Lake Anne restaurants to also be serving from their patios as well.

The Global Market is made up of a dozen crafters and artisans who will be selling international items, including jewelry, clothing, toys, art and pottery.

The Reston Multicultural Festival will be held rain or shine.

The full schedule can be found at Reston Community Center's website.

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