Celebrate diversity at these 11 multicultural festivals in Nevada

The Silver State is a melting pot of diverse cultures from around the globe. Locals and tourists alike come to Nevada from all over the world.

Multicultural food and music festivals are an accessible way to embrace and celebrate our state’s diversity while gaining an understanding of different culture’s traditions, or even your own.

Discover authentic food and drinks, music, crafts, and kids’ activities at these multicultural festivals in Northern and Southern Nevada.

Multicultural festivals in northern Nevada

Cinco de Mayo Festival

Where: Glow Plaza in downtown Reno
When: May 4-5, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at northern Nevada’s largest annual celebration of Hispanic heritage. The Cinco de Mayo Festival fills J Resort’s Glow Plaza with fun for the whole family, including dancing, horses, music, arts, crafts, and food. It’s a fiesta to remember.

Around the World in a Day

Where: 555 E. 4th Street, Reno
When: June 15, 1 p.m.-6 a.m.

Traverse the globe in one night at the Around the World in a Day music festival, a journey through the music of diverse cultures in the Biggest Little City in the World. The roster covers the gamut of genres and sounds from reggae to salsa, hip hop to Bollywood, Brazilian funk, highlife, Amapiana, and more.

National Basque Festival

Where: Downtown Elko
When: July 6-7

The National Basque Festival is a three-day celebration of Basque culture with live music, dancing, weightlifting, wood chopping, Picon Punch (the state’s unofficial drink), and large heaps of family-style food like paella and chorizo. Now in its 60th year, the national festival lets Basques and the Basque-curious experience the traditions of Basque culture firsthand. Nevada is home to a multi-generational Basque community, hailing from 19th-century immigrants from a European region between Spain and France. 

Photo courtesy of Elko Euzkaldunak Club via Facebook.

Mandela Day Global Expo

Where: University of Nevada Reno (UNR) Quad
When: July 16, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Celebrate diversity and culture at the NNIC Mandela Day Global Expo, a free, community-wide event with live music, dancing, food, fashion, and artwork. A social and educational program for international students and the community, NNIC aims to bridge gaps in understanding of other cultures and peoples. RSVP to NNIC is requested.

Photo courtesy of NNIC via Eventbrite.

Eldorado Great Italian Festival

Where: The Row, Downtown Reno
When: October 12, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Oct. 13, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

You won’t be sure if you’re in Nevada or Little Italy during the 42nd annual Great Italian Festival, across from Circus Circus on 5th Street in downtown Reno. Fun for the whole family, this two-day festival is a celebration of Italian culture and traditions with wine tasting, grape stomping, a cooking contest, a farmers market, Italian food booths, kids activities, and musicians on two stages. 

Multicultural festivals in southern Nevada

15th Annual Japanese Festival

Where: Water Street Plaza, Henderson
When: October 12, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Immerse yourself in Japanese culture at the Aki Matsuri Japanese Festival in downtown Henderson. Enjoy Japanese food, arts, crafts, and entertainment like bon odori (Japanese dance) and Japanese music. There will also be a kid’s corner and a sake pavilion.

Photo courtesy of Aki Matsuri – Japanese Festival via Facebook.

Flavors of Aloha Festival and Carshow

Where: Craig Ranch Park, Las Vegas
When: May 2-3

Experience the spirit of the Aloha State at Flavors of Aloha, a two-day festival with an opening ceremony, food, music, hula dancers, the 360 Carshow, and a kiddie zone. This year’s celebration of Hawaiian culture will pay tribute to the victims of the Lahaina fires with a lantern release.

San Gennaro Feast

Where: M Resort, Henderson
When: May 8-12; Sept 18-22

An Italian festival with row after row of ethnic food and drink vendors, live music by local and international artists, carnival rides, crafts, games, and prizes, the bi-annual San Gennaro Feast honors Saint Gennaro, the Patron Saint of Naples, Italy. A can’t-miss family-friendly event in the summer and fall, there’s something to do, see,  and eat for everyone. Plus, this year there’s a fireworks show on Mother’s Day. 

Photo courtesy of San Gennaro Feast via Facebook.

2024 Africa Day

Where: Desert Breeze Park, Las Vegas
When: May 26, noon-8 p.m.

Africa Day is a family-friendly celebration of the African diaspora. It’s a taste of African food, art, music, and culture with DJs, drums, dancing, and crafts. Try authentic African and African-influenced dishes and beverages, and support local African vendors while networking with friends and families. Children will stay busy with face painting, storytelling, and their own kid’s area.

Caribbean Heritage Festival

Where: Sammy Davis Jr. Festival Plaza, Las Vegas
When: May 18, 11 a.m.

Grab a blanket or low-back chair and nab your spot for your family at the Caribbean Heritage Festival. This celebration features the traditions, music, and flavors of the Bahamas with food trucks, art, vendors, kids’ activities, and the sounds of the steel drum, reggae, and traditional Cuban music.

Day of the Dead festival

When: Nov. 1-3, 5-9 p.m.
Where: Springs Preserve, Las Vegas

The most authentic and largest cultural Day of the Dead event in Las Vegas, this family-friendly festival celebrates the centuries-old Latin tradition of honoring loved ones through colorful and joyous traditions. There’s fun for all ages such as live theater, dance, mariachis, games, arts, crafts, and food. Plus, local artists, residents, and community groups create altars to remember their dearly departed, and event attendees get to vote for their favorites.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.