Upper Darby hosts first International Festival
UPPER DARBY » A host of fashions, food and music filled the 69th Street business district Saturday for a whole afternoon of culture immersion at the township’s first international festival.
The festival took up two blocks in the bustling district to promote the township’s rich population diversity with an inclusive event all were invited to experience. From the Philadelphia Sikh Society to the St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, and all religions and nationalities in between, there was a bevy of happenings that dotted the street with sights, sounds and tasty food.
A dozen musical and performance acts took to the main stage across from the Tower Theater throughout the day that included African drumming and even festive dragons by the Philadelphia Suns Lion Dance Troupe.
The first such festival to welcome the dozens of nationalities that make up the Upper Darby populous, it was a combined effort of the township and the Upper Darby Multicultural Commission to make the festival happen. According to Mayor Tom Micozzie, the festival happened after productive dinners between the township and members of its diverse communities.
“While our citizens may originate from far and away,” Micozzie said at a festival press conference last week, “our neighbors in this event will help gain a better understanding of the cultural traditions of our fellow residents.”
As if the various food and merchant vendors weren’t enough, a parade of nations put on full display with flags of the countries represented in the township.