Multicultural Festival Draws Crowd of 300
More than 300 people turned out Saturday for Oxnard’s third annual Multicultural Festival, greeted by folk dancers whirling in colorful costumes, books and tapestries for sale and the scent of food from around the world.
The one-day event, held in the Performing Arts Center, was started by the city’s human relations commission in 1996 as a way to bring together residents, business owners and leaders.
“The function of the festival is building relationships among all ethnicities and to celebrate the rich diversity that exists in the community,” said Javier Gomez, founder of Oxnard’s Inlakech Cultural Arts Center, which offers classes in acting, singing and dancing.
A performance by 40 Inlakech dancers depicted the history behind the “Day of the Dead” which occurs Nov. 1. Their dance originated from a region in Mexico, Gomez said.
The festival also included singers and dances representing the Filipino culture.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
