Community Corner
Celebrating World Cultures, Music and Art, Right in Reston
Annual Multicultural Festival includes 20 new American citizens.
The Reston Multicultural Festival at on Saturday welcomed new American citizens and celebrated the many cultures and talents of the community.
With a welcome break in the rainy weather, hundreds of people came to Lake Anne Plaza to be entertained by dancers, singers, martial arts and theatre, shop at the Global Bazaar and enjoy food from around the world.
The festival began with a solemn and moving ceremony.
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Twenty people representing fourteen countries (Afghanistan, Cambodia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Eritrea, India, Ireland, Nepal, Pakistan, Phillipines, Somalia, South Korea, Turkey, Vietnam) were sworn in as new American citizens.
After they took the oath of citizenship, the gathered crowd all recited the Pledge of Allegiance. White doves were released and they were congratulated by the dignitaries on hand and applauded by friends family and neighbors.
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“The naturalization of new citizens emphasizes for us what we mean by this festival. Everyone who wants to live here, should have the opportunity to live here," said Cathy Hudgins, Hunter Mill District Supervisor. “We welcome you,” said Hudgins.
After the ceremony, the Alma Bolivano Dancers led a parade through the plaza to the Global Stage. They were the first of 16 acts on three stages.
The martial arts exhibits by HK Lee Tae Kwon Academy and the Shaolin Temple USA were not just athletic, but graceful and acrobatic. The Whirling Skirts had little girls mimicking their moves in the aisles. On every stage, the artistry and beauty of each culture was on display and appreciated by the crowd.
“This festival is a wonderful way to bring people together, to know more about each other and celebrate our cultures,” said Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Sharon Bulova.
“While the festival is 11 years old, Reston has been celebrating forever,” said Reston Association president Kathleen Driscoll McKee, Reston Association president.
Reston is a place that is proud to be home to so many cultures, says Stu Gibson, FCPS school board member and a Reston resident.
He points out that at more than half of the countries of the world are represented in the student body and over 62 languages are spoken in the homes of Reston students.
“We just don’t celebrate multiculturalism and diversity in Reston, we live it,” said Gibson.
