The sixth annual International Street Fair and Diversity Festival was celebrated in the city of Artesia on Oct. 5. The Festival started with the Global Cultural Parade, which introduces the cultures, religions, the United States military, cheerleaders and many more.

Also during the festival, people could enjoy live music and different dance performances about different cultures.

Attendees enjoyed learning a variety of mixed cultures and food, while the people enjoyed games, a mini zoo and live music.

The International Street Fair and Diversity Festival was an outdoor festival and was free to the public to attend. The festival had two main stages, an international beer garden, a kid’s zone, carnival area, artist village, photo opportunities throughout the festival, contest and many more.

At the beginning of the festival, Ernesto Jimenez, 17, was asked if his culture was represented with pride and respect in the parade.

Jimenez responded, “I did not see a lot of my culture, which is Mexico or Latino culture. I just saw very few things like the woman and little girls were dressed as the Mexicans used to dress in the past. I was expecting more like mariachis a Mexico flag or something.”

“I guess the city or the festival whoever is in charge could do it a little better and will be expecting more of the Latino culture next year,” Ernesto concluded with a disappointed voice.

During the festival, however, there were several Latino or Mexican references such as Mexican food, tacos, ceviche, beers, drinks, candy, dances and music.

Carnival goers could also participate in a variety of competitions, for example, the Marines Corps challenge which was to try and hold themselves in the pull-up position for more than two minutes.

One of the Marines Sargent Kerry Maresca, 23, briefly describes his thoughts about the international festival of cultures.

Maresca said, “ The Marine Corps definitely appreciates coming out to events such as the Artesia street fair where there is such a diverse background of people. This shows that Sgt. Kerry appreciation for the invitation to the marines at the festival.”

Maresca added, “The Marine Corps being a Brotherhood is close-knit, just like the community and seeing everyone come together for an awesome cause is what we love to see and appreciate getting to show our support for the community is what it is all about.”

The next International Street fair and Carnival Festival will have people waiting a little longer to see and learn about different cultures until Oct 3, 2020, in the city of Artesia.