Traditional Arts Shine at Celebrate Erie 2024

Erie Arts and Culture is proud to honor and champion the diverse cultures within our community. Through our Folk and Traditional Arts program, we document and support the incredible folk and traditional artists across the region. Last weekend’s Celebrate Erie festival was a perfect example of this vibrant cultural tapestry in action.

Celebrate Erie: A Cultural Celebration Like No Other

As Erie’s largest downtown festival, Celebrate Erie is a showcase of local talent, featuring hundreds of regional entrepreneurs and entertainers. This year several dozen New Americans shared their rich cultural heritage through dance, music, and craft over the three-day event.

Spotlight on Traditional Arts

The Erie Asian Pacific American Association captivated audiences with a diverse array of performances, including song, poetry, and movement. Their set highlighted the depth of Erie’s Asian community, featuring everything from kung fu to Bollywood choreography to Chinese dance. This celebration of culture was a true reflection of the artistry practiced by children, youth, and older adults alike.

Henna art, a cherished tradition in East Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, has become a beloved staple at Celebrate Erie. This year, three talented henna artists—Srujana Devineni, Afaf Kormouna, and Fatima Athow—shared their craft with festival-goers. Srujana, originally from India, also showcased her mandala art, while Afaf and Fatima, both from Sudan, delighted visitors with intricate henna designs in their dedicated tent. As Afaf shared, “We love doing henna. It is for happiness.”

Emile Lokole, an artisan originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, brought a collection of handmade crafts from various African countries to the festival. Emile’s tent was filled with beautiful jewelry, clothing, and decor, each piece a testament to the craftsmanship of many talented artisans.

Another highlight was the performance by David Kambowa and his ensemble, the Altar of Worship. Their high-energy, joyous African gospel performance on the Family Stage was a celebration of traditional rhythms and Afropop styles that left the audience uplifted and inspired.

Celebrate and Support Traditional Arts

Erie Arts and Culture is committed to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of our region. If you know any traditional or folk artists in Warren, Mercer, Lawrence, Venango, Crawford, or Erie counties, we encourage you to connect with our folklorist-in-residence, Kelly Armor, at kelly@erieartsandculture.org. Together, we can continue to support and celebrate the vibrant cultural traditions that make our community unique.

Erie Arts and Culture is a proud Folk and Traditional Arts Partner of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.