AHFT Summer Favorites: Festival of Nations

“We love the Festival of Nations.”

#amyshereforthis

I’d like to tell you about one of my proudest parenting moments.

Several years back, my family and I were at the International Institute’s annual Festival of Nations, eating our way through Tower Grove Park when my toddler daughter began shouting “I NEED A MEAT PIE!” First of all, same, girl. Secondly, we did what any good parents would do and bought that child a meat pie from the Scottish stand ASAP. 

We love the Festival of Nations. Every year, individuals representing dozens of different countries around the world set up stalls with foods and goods representative of that nation. People flock by the thousands for this weekend-long event, enjoying a diverse range of treats, drinks, and entertainment. My husband and I have attended yearly since we got married and moved to the city and it is one of our favorite things. 

The Festival of Nations always seems to fall on the hottest weekend of the summer, which somehow adds to its charm. What better way to eat a spicy Ethiopian stew than in 95 degree heat surrounded by thousands of sweaty strangers? I’m an anxious person and don’t like crowds, but I’m willing to bear the slow shuffle for foods that many foods in one place. 

“What better way to eat a spicy Ethiopian stew than in 95 degree heat surrounded by thousands of sweaty strangers?”

#amyshereforthis

The Festival of Nations is not only delicious, but it’s an excellent time to remember the beauty of diversity. All of these cultures come together for a weekend with their unique flavors, textiles, and music and we’re reminded that the world is so big. We get to look around and experience life through another cultures eyes for a moment, making ourselves feel a little smaller in the very best way. 

After a covid cancellation last year, the Festival of Nations is back in 2021, although different than years past. There have been numerous small events for entertainment or education throughout the summer and the grand finale (with all the food) will take place at 9 Mile Garden on Saturday, August 28th rather than the traditional setup in Tower Grove Park. 

“We get to look around and experience life through another cultures eyes for a moment, making ourselves feel a little smaller in the very best way.”

#amyshereforthis

While I’m hoping that the festival is able to return to Tower Grove Park and be in walking distance once more in 2022, I am thrilled that it is able to happen at all. So come August 28th you can find my family at 9 Mile Garden, immersing ourselves in all the wonderful things the nations have to offer.

And yes, we’ll definitely buy our daughter a meat pie.