FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT
Dave Amoroso • Ron Sonntag Public Relations, Inc.
414-354-0200, ext. 108 • dave@rspr.com
MILWAUKEE, WIS. – Representatives of the 79th annual Holiday Folk Fair International, America’s premiere multi-cultural festival to be held Fri., Nov. 18 – Sun., Nov. 20, 2022, at the State Fair Park Exposition Center in West Allis, Wis., announced the event’s 2022 theme – “Celebrate the Culture of Living Heritage.”
Living heritage encompasses traditions, customs, practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, and skills. It also represents the instruments, objects, artifacts, and cultural spaces that communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals recognize as part of their cultural heritage.
“The living intangible cultural heritage, passed from generation to generation, is constantly being recreated by communities and groups in response to their environment, their interaction with nature, their history, and their shared rituals and social practices,” said Alexander Durtka, Jr. of the International Institute of Wisconsin (IIW), producers of Folk Fair. “This provides them with values that guide their choices, beliefs, and connections to nature and place, way of life with daily practices, habits, customs and traditions, skills, and expressions. It provides a sense of belonging, identity, and continuity, promoting respect for cultural diversity and human creativity.”
The living heritage includes the stories told, the family events celebrated, the languages spoken, the songs and dances performed, the foods prepared and eaten, the games played, and the plants cultivated. “Diversity is our strength, a tapestry rich in heritage and tradition,” Durtka said. “The Holiday Folk Fair International continues to safeguard and sustain this living heritage for present and future generations everywhere, as a vital part of their identities and their unique knowledge, skills, traditions, and customs. The Folk Fair supports our ethnic communities who celebrate, disseminate, and promote their living heritage – building bridges among diverse cultural communities, groups, and peoples.”
In addition, the event will also have a featured food – Bread. “Throughout history and around the world, bread has played an important part of many cultures. It is one of the oldest human-made foods and plays an essential role in both religious rituals and secular culture,” Durtka said.
The history of the word “companion” denotes that food is the fuel of relationships. The word “companion,” from the Latin com “with” and panis “bread,” literally “one who breaks bread with another” shows that food feeds more than the physical body; it also nourishes generosity and friendship.
“The story behind bread, especially different bread types, is interesting to explore – from the well-loved flatbreads to breads leavened with yeast or natural leavened sourdough to quick breads leavened with baking powder or baking soda and others with different origins and ingredients such as waffles, tortillas, and bread sticks,” Durtka said. “The groups participating in Folk Fair will share how bread plays an important role in their culture and traditions, while attendees will be able to taste and enjoy a wide assortment of breads from around the world.”
Special attractions for the 2022 Holiday Folk Fair International include international performers, artisans, and photographic exhibits. In addition, some Folk Fair activities will be shared live via the event’s Facebook page.
The three-day event features the All Nations Theater with traditional music and dance; the World Café offering traditional dishes; the International Stage where young people perform their ethnic dances; the Tanzhauz where attendees dance and sing along with a variety of musical stylings; the Coffee House where patrons enjoy a beverage and baked goods while listening to talented musicians; Heritage Lane with unique traditions and customs through interactive exhibits; the International Bazaar presented by Bath Fitter, where cultural artifacts create a unique shopping experience; and the Callen Chef’s Stage featuring local chefs preparing traditional cuisine.
Hours will be 2 p.m. – 9 p.m. on Fri., Nov. 18; 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Sat., Nov. 19; and 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Sun., Nov. 20.
Advance tickets, which will be available for purchase at the Folk Fair website beginning Thursday, September 15, are $12 each, with family four-packs for $44. Admission at the gate will be $16 for adults; $8 for children ages 6 to 12; with children under the age of five admitted at no charge. Those 62 and over will be admitted for $12, and all military personnel with a military ID card will be admitted free.
For more information on the 2022 Holiday Folk Fair International, visit www.folkfair.org or call 414-225-6225.