This article, written and photographed by Charlotte Geary, was originally published in Modern Reston online magazine.
It was a street party of nonstop entertainment at Lake Anne on Saturday. Big crowds turned out in the warm weather for the Reston Multicultural Festival. This annual festival is hosted by the Reston Community Center as a celebration of the cultural diversity within our community. The Plaza and surrounding areas were filled with music, food, and entertainment from dozens of the nations represented in Reston.
The festival began with a naturalization ceremony of 25 new U.S. citizens from 22 different countries. It’s always emotional to watch someone’s dream come true.
The naturalization ceremony ended with the release of doves by the lake.
After the ceremony, Bolivian dancers got the party started with a lively parade through the Plaza.
Three stages offered simultaneous performances by musicians, dancers, martial artists, and theater groups. Children’s activities were available at booths throughout the Plaza. A book fair, art exhibit, and craft demonstrations took place within the community center. There was so much to see and do! I didn’t have enough time to do half the things on the schedule.
Here are some of the sights from Saturday’s Reston Multicultural Festival:
What a talented community! Did you get out to the Multicultural Festival? Which performers were your favorites? I can’t choose just one!
Related posts:
Scenes from the 2019 Reston Multicultural Festival
Scenes from the 2018 Reston Multicultural Festival
Scenes from the 2016 Reston Multicultural Festival
Interview: A feature in Northern Virginia Magazine about the Reston Multicultural Festival
The first annual Lake Anne SUP Triathlon was a total riot
The Lake Anne Cardboard Boat Regatta gets bigger and more hilarious each year
The Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival at Reston Town Center
