Warsaw residents will have the opportunity to experience a variety of cultural performances at Warsaw Parks and Recreation Department’s Culture Fest event from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday in Central Park. This free event will highlight both music and dance from around the world.

The event will begin at 3 p.m. with Calypso, soca, and reggae music from DeHurricane. DeHurricane’s lead singer, Cleve “Hurricane” Jean Jacques, started his music career at the age of 14 in the isle of Dominica. He moved on to compete musically, becoming the Caribbean King in 1996 and placing seventh in the World Monarch Competition. He has performed all over the world and alongside legendary musicians, including Ziggy Marley.

Ballet Folklorico Sol Azteca will bring a taste of Mexican and Latin traditional dance to Central Park Plaza at 4:15 p.m. The group is comprised of 28 dancers ranging from 5 years old to young adults. Several historical and traditional dances will be performed, including Xipe, Machetes from Nayarit, and a cultural favorite Jarabe Tapatio from the state of Jalisco. Ballet Folklorico Sol Azteca performs in traditional dance garb and delights crowds with their dancing.

An Dro will bring a taste of Irish and Celtic music to the park beginning at 5 p.m. An Dro’s four seasoned musicians fuse together both ancient and modern dynamics to provide a performance well-suited for both dancing and listening. The group features the fiddle, Celtic harp, mandolin, and a wide assortment of percussion from around the world including djembe, darbuka, cymbals, and shakers.

At 6:15 p.m., Fort Wayne Taiko will fill the park with the sounds and rhythms of ancient Japanese drumming. Taiko means “big drum” in Japanese and features large cowhide barrel drums played with sticks while choreographed with dancing.  Taiko originated on ancient Japanese battlefields and has since developed into a cultural and religious cornerstone of Japanese arts and culture. Fort Wayne Taiko will teach the crowd about Taiko and entertain spectators of all ages.

The evening’s entertainment will conclude with energetic and dance-inducing Latin and Mexican music from Southside Evolucion at 7 p.m. Southside Evolucion plays a variety of traditional Mexican and Latin music including Tejano, Cumbia, and Boreros. They focus on staying true to their cultural roots and providing performances that excite and entertain a crowd.

Culture Fest will also host a children’s area from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. with free face painting, balloon art, pony rides, crafts, and piñatas. Some food vendors will be available in the park.  Families are encouraged to bring activities to enjoy on the Central Park lawn while listening to the performances.

Culture Fest is made possible and free thanks to Gold Level Sponsors DePuy, IU Health Goshen Hospital, and Maple Leaf Farms.

For more information about the event, call (574) 372-9554 or email [email protected].