81st Annual Holiday Folk Fair International Theme

Celebrate the Culture of Traditional Art

We’re excited to announce the 2024 Holiday Folk Fair International theme – “Celebrate the Culture of Traditional Art.”

“Traditional Art” embodies painting, pottery, sculpture, textiles, metalwork, and many others. These activities, practiced by groups of people within the world’s cultures, will never go out of style, as they promote diversity and inclusion.

A representation of one’s cultural heritage, traditional art conveys traditions, values, and beliefs. Creating art pieces is a visible way to see a culture sustained, safeguarded, and passed down to the next generations.

Experience traditional art in many forms at America’s premier multicultural festival, as the 81st annual Holiday Folk Fair will be held Fri., Nov. 22 – Sun., Nov. 24, 2024, at the Exposition Center at Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis, Wis. Hours will be 2 p.m. – 9 p.m. on Fri., Nov. 22; 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Sat., Nov. 23; and 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Sun., Nov. 24.

2024 Featured Food: Traditional Desserts

While the term “dessert” originated in France in the 1500s—coming from the verb desservir or “to clear the table”— sweet treats are now a staple across the world. Each culture has its take on traditional desserts. 

Traditional desserts have a historical significance to each cultural group. Techniques and recipes
specific to a particular treat are passed down from generation to generation to keep tradition alive and well. Some goodies also symbolize ideas important to a group’s identity. Furthermore, these special delicacies bring people together for celebrations like birthdays, weddings, holidays, and other special
events.

France celebrates the religious holiday Candlemas, which marks Jesus’ presentation at the temple, with sweet crepes filled with Nutella and flavored jams. In the early days of the celebration, the crepes symbolized the round and golden sun, marking the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Crepes are also a sign of prosperity and wealth. The act of flipping a crepe while holding a coin is said to bring good luck.

A honey cake, or a medivnyk, is common at a wedding in Ukraine, one of the biggest exporters of honey in the world. Ukrainian couples interpret the shape of the cake, and how it bakes, as a sign of their future family’s destiny. In addition, the member of the newlywed couple who tears off the larger piece of the cake at the wedding reception is believed to live longer.

Filipinos often enjoy Halo Halo, or sweet treats over shaved ice, in the Philippines’ hot and humid weather. Halo Halo is translated to “mix-mix,” a perfect description of Filipino heritage and culture that is a combination of Chinese, Japanese, Malaysian, Spanish, and American ideas and practices.

These are just a few of the traditional desserts that are a celebration of our world’s diversity. With
every bite comes a piece of cultural history and identity.

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