The St. Petersburg International Folk Fair Society (SPIFFS) is set to host its 49th Annual International Folk Fair this weekend.
Whether you’re looking to experience traditional music and dance, sample international cuisine, or simply celebrate the world’s many cultures, this festival promises a one-of-a-kind journey around the globe—all without leaving Pinellas Park.
Since its inception in 1975, this beloved event has been a vibrant celebration of Tampa Bay’s diverse cultural heritages, bringing together communities to showcase their traditions through music, dance, crafts, and cuisine.
The first two days of the festival, Feb. 20-21, are reserved for students, offering an immersive educational experience that introduces elementary, middle, and high schoolers to global cultures. School groups will have the opportunity to explore cultural villages, interact with performers, and learn about different traditions in an engaging and hands-on environment.
The festival then opens to the public on Saturday, Feb. 22, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., transforming England Brothers Park into a colorful world fair with exhibits, food, and live entertainment.
One of the highlights of the event is the Parade of Nations, a spectacular procession where participants proudly display traditional attire and flags from their home countries. Visitors can also enjoy an international beer garden featuring selections from around the world, as well as cultural villages representing more than 20 nationalities, including Vietnamese, Scottish, German, Hmong, Peruvian, and Taiwanese. These villages offer a glimpse into the unique traditions of each culture through art, storytelling, and culinary specialties.
Throughout the day, live performances will take place on two stages, featuring everything from Bulgarian folk dances to Korean martial arts and sword demonstrations. Attendees can also take part in interactive activities such as bilingual storytelling sessions, an international musical instrument petting zoo, and Japanese flower arranging demonstrations.
General admission for the public day is $14 for adults, $12 for seniors and active military members with ID, $7 for children ages 6 to 12, and free for children under 6. Tickets can be purchased in advance via spiffs.org.
Those interested in volunteering or learning more about the event can contact SPIFFS directly.
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This article appears in Feb 13-19, 2025.