International festival promotes diversity

Food, dance and art serve as cultural bridges for attendees

Discovery Green transformed into a melting pot of cultural diversity Saturday as thousands of residents flocked to SpringWorld International Festival.

Attendees watched traditional dance performances, sampled food from other countries and learned about heritages different from their own at the event.

“This is indeed now an international city,” Mayor Sylvester Turner told the cheering crowd. “Let’s work to build this city and make it stronger than what it has ever been.”

Attendees went from booth to booth, talking to different artists, business owners, dancers and religious leaders about their culture.

“It’s really nice to be out here with such a generous crowd,” said Samar Babar of the Islamic Arts Society. “I really love the diversity of Houston.”

SpringWorld organizers said the festival promotes learning in support of peace, love, and friendship. They are dedicated to cultivating and creating a platform to share cultural heritage around the world. The event is a project by Youth Y.A.H.O.O. Inc, which uses the proceeds for art and education programs for children in the Greater Houston area.

“We’re happy to be here,” said Gopal Krishnan with Iskcon of Houston. “People are very

friendly in Houston. Southern hospitality is very true.”

Performances by Lee’s Golden Dragon lion and dragon dance troupe, Calmecac Tonantzin Yolilitzyotl Aztec Dance and Drum Group, the Houston International Folk Dancers and other groups gave the crowd a taste of the world’s dance customs.

“The focus is on arts, education and recognizing our diversity,” Turner said. “And not only recognizing our diversity, celebrating the diversity that exists within our city.”

Many festival artists used their their paintings, jewelry, sculptures and other creative projects to represent their cultures in a visual way.

Henry Murillo from the local art group ATI said he believes that art is an important part of culture because it allows people to inspire others and do what they can for their city.

“We do things like this because it really does show how Houstonians work together,” Murillo said.

Yi-Chin Lee / Houston Chronicle Isis Six, 5, comes face to smiling face with Chinese dragon dancers Saturday at SpringWorld International Festival at Discovery Green.

Yi-Chin Lee / Houston Chronicle Aztec dancers were among the many performance groups entertaining the crowds at Spring World International Festival. The one-day event was held downtown at Discovery Green.