NASHUA – Sharing in the inclusive and welcoming spirit of Nashua, members of the community packed into the St. Patrick’s gymnasium Sunday to celebrate diversity at the second annual Multicultural Festival.

With many different styles of clothing, cuisine, artwork and cultures on display, those who made their way through the 29 Spring St. location were exposed to all sorts of ethnic wonders; Colombian, Brazilian, Italian, French, Polish, Mexican and many, many more.

The event, which was put on by the Mayor’s Office and the Nashua Multicultural Festival Planning Committee, was packed from start to finish. Those who where involved with seeing the event come to life were proud to watch the community show such a welcoming tone throughout the day, including Mayor Jim Donchess himself.

Donchess said he was very pleased to see so many members of the community come out and share in the exchanges of cultural foods, arts and entertainment. He said having the festival be revived after being on a hiatus prior to last year’s relaunch, continues to play an important role in the growth of the city.

“The turnout is great. This is the second year that we’ve held this,” Donchess said. “Now it’s a revival, because when I was mayor before, we had a multicultural festival a number of times, but somehow it died out.”

“This is a very important event. We get everybody from Nashua together – as many different ethnic groups (s possible) – to focus on our inclusiveness,” Donchess added. “To focus on the fact that everybody in Nashua is welcome, all of our ethnic groups are welcome, and this is just a testament of that.”

The mayor, during the event, thanked the planning committee, especially Cecilia Ulibarri – who worked as the chairperson – for being able to put on such a successful festival.

Those on hand for the event were well fed, as a line out the door for samples of 14 different local ethnic restaurants showcased authentic cuisines, was seen all day. While attendees ate, they enjoyed entertainment from local musicians and performers.

Mathew Plamondon can be reached at 594-1244 or mplamondon@nashuatelegraph.com, @telegraph_MatP.

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