Minneapolis and Saint Paul are very diverse cities, and as time moves forward it becomes increasingly pertinent to celebrate multiculturalism within the Twin Cities. Throughout Minneapolis and Saint Paul’s history, we have often provided refuge for our country’s immigrants and Minneapolis has remained a sanctuary city for those in need. Of course, we’re not perfect and there is room to grow in our policies, mindsets, and beliefs, but these seven festivals in Minneapolis-Saint Paul, celebrate diversity in the best way possible.
- Somali Week
Facebook/Somali Week MN Minneapolis is home to the largest population of Somali people in the United States. Somali Week’s motto is to promote ‘diversity through unity and inclusion,’ and now draws in crowds of over 30,000 people to celebrate the Somali Independence Day Festival. It’s a beautiful annual celebration of humanity.
- Dragon Festival
Facebook/Dragon Festival If you ever see dragon carved boats rowing across Lake Phalen in Saint Paul, you’ll know you’re at the Dragon Festival. This annual vibrant festival features the dragon boat races, traditional and ceremonial dances, and foods from groups of people spread throughout Asia. 2018’s Dragon Festival is set to be on June 18, so you have a bit to wait.
- Japanese Obon Festival
Flickr/jpgellen
Flickr/jpgellen On the third Sunday in August, as the sun in Como Park says goodnight, the sky is illuminated with the warm, soft, yellow glow of Japanese lanterns as they ceremoniously ascend into the air. Obon is a Japanese holiday where it is said the spirits of their ancestors revisit their families for three days. Families pay their respects to their ancestors by leaving small offerings for them. The lanterns are lit on the final night to guide the souls back to their resting place.
- Cinco de Mayo - West Side Saint Paul
Facebook/Cinco de Mayo - West Side Saint Paul Cinco de Mayo is an annual celebration commemorating the 1862 battle of Puebla that the Mexican Army won. West Side Saint Paul, with a rather large Latinx population, takes the time to celebrate in the most exciting way possible. Cesar Chavez Street closes for a huge fiesta featuring mariachi bands, traditional garb of many indigenous peoples, as well as a lowrider car show.
- Minneapolis Greek Festival
Facebook/Minneapolis Greek Festival - Taste of Greece St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church hosts the annual Minneapolis Greek Festival. The festival has a myriad of traditional and authentic Greek food, live musical performances, and a 5k Toga Run/Walk. Best of all, the festival is free to attend! Opa!
- Festival of Nations
Facebook/Festival of Nations - Saint Paul, MN The Festival of Nations aims to encourage people from all walks of life to discover worlds beyond their own and enrich their multicultural knowledge. The midwest is more diverse than it seems, and this festival helps embrace that with exhibits from Bulgaria, Egypt, Morocco, Sudan, Croatia, Turkey, and many more.
- Irish Fair of Minnesota
Facebook/Irish Fair of Minnesota
Facebook/Irish Fair of Minnesota Saint Paul has a rather large Irish American population so it’s no surprise that every August the city holds the Irish Fair of Minnesota. Grab a pint of beer, watch some river dancing, and experience what it’s like to be Irish for a weekend!
We live in a world full of diversity and the only way to thrive is to celebrate that and embrace multiculturalism. These festivals in Minneapolis-Saint Paul help us share what makes us unique with our amazing community. We’d love to hear about your heritage and how you celebrate it! Let us know in the comments below.
Facebook/Somali Week MN
Minneapolis is home to the largest population of Somali people in the United States. Somali Week’s motto is to promote ‘diversity through unity and inclusion,’ and now draws in crowds of over 30,000 people to celebrate the Somali Independence Day Festival. It’s a beautiful annual celebration of humanity.
Facebook/Dragon Festival
If you ever see dragon carved boats rowing across Lake Phalen in Saint Paul, you’ll know you’re at the Dragon Festival. This annual vibrant festival features the dragon boat races, traditional and ceremonial dances, and foods from groups of people spread throughout Asia. 2018’s Dragon Festival is set to be on June 18, so you have a bit to wait.
Flickr/jpgellen
On the third Sunday in August, as the sun in Como Park says goodnight, the sky is illuminated with the warm, soft, yellow glow of Japanese lanterns as they ceremoniously ascend into the air. Obon is a Japanese holiday where it is said the spirits of their ancestors revisit their families for three days. Families pay their respects to their ancestors by leaving small offerings for them. The lanterns are lit on the final night to guide the souls back to their resting place.
Facebook/Cinco de Mayo - West Side Saint Paul
Cinco de Mayo is an annual celebration commemorating the 1862 battle of Puebla that the Mexican Army won. West Side Saint Paul, with a rather large Latinx population, takes the time to celebrate in the most exciting way possible. Cesar Chavez Street closes for a huge fiesta featuring mariachi bands, traditional garb of many indigenous peoples, as well as a lowrider car show.
Facebook/Minneapolis Greek Festival - Taste of Greece
St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church hosts the annual Minneapolis Greek Festival. The festival has a myriad of traditional and authentic Greek food, live musical performances, and a 5k Toga Run/Walk. Best of all, the festival is free to attend! Opa!
Facebook/Festival of Nations - Saint Paul, MN
The Festival of Nations aims to encourage people from all walks of life to discover worlds beyond their own and enrich their multicultural knowledge. The midwest is more diverse than it seems, and this festival helps embrace that with exhibits from Bulgaria, Egypt, Morocco, Sudan, Croatia, Turkey, and many more.
Facebook/Irish Fair of Minnesota
Saint Paul has a rather large Irish American population so it’s no surprise that every August the city holds the Irish Fair of Minnesota. Grab a pint of beer, watch some river dancing, and experience what it’s like to be Irish for a weekend!
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