JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The annual World of Nations festival drew vendors, performers and visitors to downtown Jacksonville for a weekend of food, music and cultural displays.
More than 30 countries were represented, with booths offering national dishes, crafts and traditional clothing.
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The final day of the event included family activities aimed at showcasing cultural traditions and performances on the mainstage Sunday, including Palestine, the Republic of Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
“Mexico traditionally is known for a lot of color,” said Ulysses Hernandez, one of the Mexico tent vendors. “Anywhere you go in the city, or even if you go to pueblos, everything is about color, the festivals, the traditions, even the parties, the weddings.”
Vendors sold foods ranging from street-style sweets to prepared meals made from scratch.
“When [people] come, they try the culture,” Cameroon vendor Kate Fon said. “They’ve heard so much about it online, and seeing in real life, in person, is amazing.”
Attendees included first-time visitors and long-time residents who said they appreciated the range of offerings.
“I’m retired military, so I’ve traveled a while, but yeah, I really like this,” said Georgia resident Charlotte Bell.
Vendors said they were grateful to be part of the diverse community throughout the weekend.
“I want to first of all thank the city of Jacksonville for doing this for us,” said Cameroon vendor Leo Ngoune. “We’re so happy.”