Festival of Nations highlights diversity in the Capital Region

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) - The 53rd annual Festival of Nations was celebrated on Sunday at the Empire State Plaza, Convention Center. About 3,000 people came to celebrate the 26 cultures that were represented at the festival.

The nations involved were Afghanistan, Argentina, Armenia, Bangladesh, Burma, China, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Greece, Guyana, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Korea, Lithuania, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, Romania, Russia, Scotland, Taiwan, Turkey, and Ukraine. Each country was represented by their corresponding non-profit in the Capital Region.

Manoj Ajmera, the Chairman of the Festival of Nations, said the goal of the event is to show and explore the rich diversity within the Capital Region.

"They are all local, believe it or not," Ajmera said. "Quite diverse the Capital District. I came to this area more than 50 years ago, and there were not this many; now they are growing. More people are coming, and the children are born, so it's such an educational thing for children to learn, not only their own culture but to other countries culture; they can go around; they can ask questions."

Shoubang Jian represented the Taiwanese American Association and said he hopes to engage with people from around the region and show them all about Taiwanese culture.

"What we are trying to accomplish is for more people to know Taiwan, because Taiwan is a small country, so we want to have our voice heard and make friends with American people," Jian said.

The festival also included a parade of nations, native dances and music, ethnic foods, and the crowning of Miss Festival of Nations.