This festival is the kick-off event for Welcoming Week 2023, a national celebration of culture, heritage and inclusivity in our community.  Welcoming Week is an annual campaign that celebrates the work in communities to become welcoming places for all, including immigrants. Launched in 2012 by Welcoming America and its members, Welcoming Week provides individuals and organizations the opportunity to showcase their values through events and initiatives that foster connections and collaboration between immigrants and non-immigrants, as well as belonging for all.

Gainesville was the first city and Alachua County the first county in our state to become an official Welcoming City/County. Since that first significant step in 2015, we have been working as a community to become more inclusive and welcoming for all of our neighbors. This celebration will showcase our rich diversity, offer a safe space for fellowship and exchange, and allow our community to come together in unity and peace, all while having a great time!

For more information visit here.