TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Celebrating Tallahassee's rich melting pot was the main goal of the 2nd annual World Culture Festival on Saturday.
"I think we make each other stronger by bringing together each others histories, the art, we blend together and show each other what our lives are like," said Ann Kozeliski.
Kozeliski attended the festival to expand her horizons and learn about the many cultures in her community.
The festival, sent a message of unity, embracing differences and experiencing new traditions.
"We're all people and we just need to understand kind of where everybody is coming from. You might not have the same background or the same experiences. In order to have empathy with them, you need to connect with them," said Circe, a festival dancer.
That's what brought this crowd to the world culture festival in the Capital City.
Attendees saw art, dances and songs inspired from around the globe.
New performers this year truly encompass what this event is all about promoting diversity in the community. The Matsiko choir is made up of children from around the world who are orphans or at-risk. The children come from different cultures but on stage they're one powerful voice.
"And Matsiko means a lot of things to us because Matsiko help kids to go to school, give kids sponsors, give kids hope that they are going to be something good in their future," said a Matsiko choir member.
"The first time when I come here to U.S., I feel like I miss my family, but now I feel like I have a new family," said Vivian a Matsiko choir member. A family full of unique cultures and faiths.
And at the end of the day, everyone left the world culture festival with new knowledge and understanding of people from across the globe.
