Cultural cornucopia

Some students and community members clapped their hands and tapped their feet while others danced in the sunshine to the music of Hancher’s Martha Redbone during the 23rd annual University of Iowa Celebrating Cultural Diversity Festival.

The Martha Redbone Roots Project was the headline performance—but far from the only one—as several thousand people converged on Hubbard Park throughout the afternoon of Sept. 29 for one of the kickoff events for UI Homecoming 2013.

The festival, held outside for the first time, drew even more UI students and alumni as well as UI faculty, staff, students, and members of the community with the move to fall this year.

From Indian and Irish dancing to Turkish Baklava and fruit empanadas from the UI Association of Latinos Moving Ahead, the festival served up a diverse array of music, food, performances, cultural and nationality booths, arts and crafts activities, and much more.

The UI Chief Diversity Office, the UI Division of Student Life, and the UI Center for Student Involvement and Leadership were the official sponsors with generous support from many campus and community groups and volunteers.

For those who couldn’t attend this year, visit the following photo gallery to get a vicarious glimpse into this major celebration.