- Several festivals are planned for Saturday in the Salt Lake City area that will showcase the Japanese, Dutch and Latin American cultures.
- Nihon Matsuri, or the Utah Japan Festival, will feature Japanese dancing, Taiko drum performances, martial arts demonstrations and more.
- Ritmo, Color y Folklore will showcase the music and dance of several Latin American countries.
SALT LAKE CITY — Several cultural festivals are planned for Saturday for those looking for a taste of Latin America, Japan and/or the Netherlands.
Here's the rundown:
Japan Festival: Nihon Matsuri, or the Utah Japan Festival, returns on Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. It will be held on Historic Japantown Street, 100 South between 200 West and 300 West in Salt Lake City.
The aim of the event is "to share and educate the larger Utah community about Japanese and Japanese American culture, history and traditions as well as to pass on the Japanese traditions and culture to younger generations of Japanese Americans," said media coordinator Kimi Miyashima.
Among the many activities will be Japanese dancing, cultural exhibitions, Taiko drum performances, martial arts demonstrations and more. Food will be on sale, and exhibits will be on display in the Japanese Church of Christ and Salt Lake Buddhist Temple, located on the street.
Dutch Day Festival: Get out your orange clothing and prepare for a taste of the Netherlands at the Dutch Day Festival, now in its fifth year, at Millcreek Common at 1354 E. Chambers Ave. in Millcreek. It goes from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
"From the iconic 'oranje' attire to the festive atmosphere, the event serves as a gathering point for the Dutch diaspora," reads a press release from the city of Millcreek. Traditional food, music, dance, games and more will be on offer.
El Salvadorian Day: Salvadoran culture will be the focus of El Salvadorian Day activities on Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on the Utah Valley University campus in Orem. The event, organized by the university's Ka-Barkada Club, will be held at Center Stage in the Sorensen Student Center on the university campus.
"It will highlight the traditions and heritage of El Salvador. The event features traditional music and dance performances, cultural attire, arts and crafts and authentic Salvadoran food. This event is designed to educate, engage and bring together the UVU community through cultural appreciation, inclusivity and shared celebration," reads promotional material for the event.
Ritmo, Color y Folklore: The culture of several Latin American countries will be the focus of Ritmo, Color y Folklore on Saturday at Nancy Tessman Auditorium at the Salt Lake City Public Library at 210 E. 400 South. The event goes from 2-5 p.m. and will feature dancing, music and more from members of the Mexican, Bolivian, Ecuadorean, Chilean, Cuban, Colombian and Venezuelan communities.
"Prepare to experience a true party of colors, rhythms and tradition," reads promotional material for the event. "Come enjoy, discover and learn about the rich culture of our countries."
It's organized and sponsored by the Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs, the Venezuelan Alliance of Utah and Salt Lake City's arts and culture office.
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Tim Vandenack
