One of the most diverse neighborhoods in the “World’s Borough” will celebrate later this month the cultural traditions of its residents.
The Central Astoria Local Development Corporation (LDC) will hold the first Celebrate Astoria! International Cultural Fest on May 30 from noon to 5 p.m. on Astoria Park’s Great Lawn. It is free and open to the public, though guests are asked to bring their own lawn chairs.
The lineup features song, music and dance reflecting the many different ethnicities of Astoria residents, such as Dahdoo-Music of North Africa and the Middle East; the Bangladeshi Dance Troupe; Spanish Flamenco dance from the American Bolero Company; the Calpulli Mexican Dance Company; Pontion Society Komninoi Dancers; Ayazamana Cultural Center’s Ecuadorian Dance; Issa Cabrera songs from Brazil; the Japanese Folk Dance Institute; Niall O’Leary Irish Step Dancers; Banatual Romanian Folklore Dance; and Filippo with the Songs of Italy.
“We are excited to be the recipient of this grant. We thank Council member Constantinides for his vision in bringing an International Cultural Fest to Astoria, the personification of an immigrant community with its kaleidoscope of people from every part of the world,” said Central Astoria LDC Executive Director Marie Torniali. “Presenting so many cultural traditions on one stage in Astoria Park, celebrating Astoria, is an opportunity to showcase traditions of many different ethnic groups. This event also complements our 30-plus-year tradition of bringing the American music tradition to multicultural audiences. We hope to make this an annual event.”
The Central Astoria LDC holds many other events in Astoria Park, including the Astoria Park Carnival, Independence Celebration, Waterfront Concerts and Movies on the Waterfront.
Constantinides provided funding for the Celebrate Astoria! event through the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs Immigrant Initiative, which aims to provide cultural programs across the five boroughs.
For more information, call 718-728-7820 or click here.
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