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People from more than 60 countries reside in Spartanburg, South Carolina and more than 100 international businesses make Spartanburg their home. In 1985 the City of Spartanburg hosted its first International Festival to celebrate Spartanburg's diverse community, today the International Festival has expanded its International connection to reach a more global audience attendance.The Spartanburg International Festival is held each fall in beautiful Barnet Park. More than 8,000 people attend to celebrate and explore the world through food, music, dance, folk art and more. Since 2007, a country (or continent) has been selected by International Cultures of Spartanburg to be the honored country for the International Festival. The culture of the honored country is represented in various ways throughout the festival, including being located at the front entrance to the park. Past recipients include Germany in 2007, China in 2008, and the Continent of Africa in 2009. Our honored continent for 2010 is South America. Countries representing South America this year:
Venezuela "Tourists" can travel from Austria to Africa in the time it normally takes to make an airline reservation when strolling through the International Festival's Avenue of Nations. Get your name written in Chinese and learn how to say a few greeting words; Stop by Puerto Rico and play dominoes with them � it's their favorite pastime. Have you always wondered why a Hindu woman wears a dot on her forehead? You can ask when visiting the booth from India! The Avenue of Nations is the place to ask questions and learn about other cultures. It's also a chance for some Upstate residents to take a trip "back home" and reconnect with their roots. See one-of-a-kind artifacts, beautiful clothing, and authentic memorabilia as you meet people from all over the world.
There's a lot to see and do in the Kid's Zone! Take photos of family and friends with people in folk costumes and landmarks from around the world, and visit the Passport Office to get your passport for stamping at the main festival's Avenue of Nations. When you need a little break, spread a blanket out on the lawn and enjoy performers from around the world on the Kid's Zone stage. As always, all Kid's Zone crafts, activities, and entertainments are free. Fair Trade exhibitors will be present in the International Trade Zone at International Festival. Fair Trade serves as an advocate for the preservation and transmission of folk arts worldwide. This diverse group of artists, cooperatives and humanitarian organizations help support improving economic conditions and the quality of life for many folk artists in their home communities. Come visit the vendors and purchase items that give back to the artisans and their community. There will also be an eclectic mix of commercial imports from around the globe for sale in the Trade Zone. Vendors display a variety of souvenir goods and items from the global trade market. Imports from China, Ireland, Japan Indonesia and more will be present. The International Festival is a showcase for cultural dance, music and artistry. Set on three stages throughout the Festival grounds, festival goers can enjoy an array of entertainment. From Middle Eastern Belly Dancers to Celtic music and Irish dance. The line-up of entertainment is set on three stages in and around Barnet Park. In addition to the stages, a variety of entertainment will roam the festival grounds. For more information, please visit http://www.cityofSpartanburg.org/. (Image provided by The Spartanburg International Festival.)
Looking for more happenings in the area? Check out Greenville.com's comprehensive visitor center.
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Festival goers can sample foods from Germany, Japan, Jamaica, Greece, France, Kenya, the Middle East, Laos, and much much more. Guests who are 21 and over can also try different wines and beers from around the world. These food vendors offering global tastes will line St. John Street in front of Barnet Park.