Salem’s annual World Beat Festival took place from Friday, June 26, through Sunday, June 28, at Riverfront Park, celebrating the people and cultures of the Pacific Islands.
Pacific Islander Cultures Featured
The festival featured traditional dances, music, and storytelling from across the Pacific Islands, including performances by the Polynesian dance troupe Teva Oriata.
Teva Oriata’s founder and performer, Angie Jackman, said that the group’s performances feature traditional dances from Tahitian, Samoan, and Hawaiian cultures, and that the rain was fitting for their performances, which often relate to water and nature.
Festival Activities
In addition to performances, the festival included interactive and educational activities, such as a children’s activity center where kids could make their own leis and kukui nut bracelets.
The festival also featured around 100 tents organized by world region, representing over 70 cultures, with vendors selling traditional clothing, art, and jewelry, as well as a variety of food from around the world.
The festival was attended by thousands from around the state, and was made possible by around 400 volunteers, including performers and experts.
Original reporting: Salem Reporter — read the source article.
