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"We do live in a community that is blessed with having many diverse cultures represented and it's important to know about the people we live with and their background and culture." - Clay Reibe, president of Citibank of Bryan-College Station and Worldfest sponsor.

Worldfest celebrates culture

Festival brings diversity, cultural awareness to Bryan-College Station.

By: Meredith Zdenek

Posted: 11/21/08

The Brazos Valley Worldfest celebrates international awareness by offering open arms in the streets to the public.

Worldfest will bring cultural activities such as displays, demonstrations, performances, international cuisine, children's crafts and more to downtown Bryan.

"Worldfest is an international festival whose mission is to promote and celebrate the international diversity and heritage of the Brazos Valley," said Kim Fox, Class of 1997and program coordinator of the Office of International Outreach.

"It is important because the Brazos Valley is very unique and cultural and gives people the opportunity to live and interact with other cultures around the world."

The festival has cultural displays and activities from several countries like China, India, the Czech Republic, Indonesia, Equador and Mexico. The cultural displays at the festival are put on by the student heritage organizations in Bryan and College Station.

"It's a gathering of the community and people from across the state to celebrate and to learn and understand the various cultures that make up our community and the Brazos Valley," said Worldfest sponsor Clay Reibe, president of the Citibank in Bryan-College Station.

"We do live in a community that is blessed with having many diverse cultures represented and it's important to know about the people we live with and their background and culture."

Joel Mathai, a cross-cultural consultant and pastoral care provider for the South Asian fellowship, said Worldfest is imperative because America is a diverse country where many have found freedom.

"I think it is a wonderful opportunity to bring awareness of cultural diversity in our cities. The more we bring awareness, the more we remove misunderstandings about other cultures," Mathai said.

In its second year, the Brazos Valley Worldfest is opening more learning experience to the public with 59 cultural booths expected - almost twice as many as the previous year.

"My favorite part is seeing the visitors come and have a good time while they're learning something about the cultures of the countries living here in the Brazos County," Fox said. "I enjoy seeing that."

Worldfest
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday
in Historic Downtown Bryan