Aurora’s Global Fest serves up the sights and flavors of the world Aug. 17

AURORA | Aurora’s growing Global Fest is returning for its 11th year, promising an even more vibrant celebration of the city’s rich cultural diversity.

“Every year, Global Fest grows in size and attendance because it is unlike any event in Colorad,o” Mayor Mike Coffman said in a statement. “Aurora truly is ‘The World in a City,’ and Global Fest is the best place to experience it on display.”

The free, family-friendly event is slated for Saturday, Aug. 17, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Aurora Municipal Center Great Lawn at 15151 E. Alameda Parkway.

This year’s Global Fest is set to be the largest yet, featuring an expanded lineup of performances, vendors, and activities. The festival celebrates Aurora’s status as one of Colorado’s most diverse cities, bringing together a mosaic of cultures through food, music, dance, and art.

The event will showcase two stages with performances ranging from Taekwondo demonstrations and Afro-fusion music to Mexican ballet folklorico and Taiwanese tea-picking dances. Notably, popular musical acts Gino Rael and the Mighty Nice Band, along with Son de la Zona, will close out the day with energetic performances designed to get the crowd on its feet.

Global Fest attendees will also have the opportunity to explore an international marketplace, sample cuisine from nearly 20 food trucks representing Central America, South America, Africa, Asia, and beyond, and participate in a variety of creative activities for children. For the first time, the festival will host a Global Flavors competition, with winners to be announced during the event.

Ricardo Gambetta, manager of Aurora’s Office of International and Immigrant Affairs, previously highlighted the importance of Global Fest in fostering community ties.

“Aurora is one of the most diverse cities in Colorado, with one in five people identifying as foreign-born, and we are proud to support our community. Global Fest is an inclusive showcase of our international cultures, and it is meaningful when we can share our traditions with others.”

The festival will open with a Parade of Nations, inspired by the Olympic Games’ opening ceremonies, featuring representatives from around the world displaying their national flags. This year, countries such as the Marshall Islands, Ukraine, Morocco, and Belize will be represented in the parade for the first time. A fashion show will also take place, featuring handmade traditional outfits from various cultures.

Aurora has long been recognized as a hub of diversity in Colorado. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 20% of the city’s residents were born outside the United States, with significant populations hailing from Mexico, Ethiopia, and other nations. Additionally, more than 40% of students in Aurora Public Schools speak a language other than English at home. Over the past several decades, Aurora has also emerged as a center of Colorado’s Black community, drawn by affordable housing and strong educational opportunities.

The growing attendance at Global Fest reflects the city’s evolving demographics and its reputation as an inclusive and welcoming community. Gambetta-Alvarado noted that what started as a small gathering has now become a major event, drawing thousands of attendees each year.

“As our community continues to grow and diversify, Global Fest remains the most important activity of the year for us,” Gambetta-Alvarado said previously. “It’s an opportunity for members from different groups and communities to celebrate that diversity together as a city.”

Aurora’s Global Fest promises to be a lively and inclusive celebration of the city’s global heritage, offering something for everyone in the family to enjoy.