Multicultural Day in Warsaw

Park Skaryszewski

The sun was shining and the sky was a clear blue. Perfect weather for a day in the park. I made my way through the long grass towards the sound of music, accompanied by three young Kenyans I had met on the way while we were all getting lost on the twisting park paths.

Eventually, after stopping a couple of people and asking directions, we walked up a long path, the music getting ever louder, and came through gates to be greeted by a crowd of people watching a glittering and shimmying belly dancer performing on stage.

Event followed event onstage and although I was only able to stay for half the day, I was fortunate enough to see the energetic Chechen dancing, forceful Martial arts display and colourful Indian dancing.

The Chechen dancing involved a troupe of young dancers (from the very young 3-year-old couple to the other children of various ages up to the age of 15, to Malika and Movlat their teachers). The children displayed their skills in beautifully dressed couples, swirling and stamping their way around the stage. We were also treated to a solo display by Malika who moved with both strength and grace.

The martial arts display demonstrated a fascinating mixture of controlled movements that were strong and fluid. The group moved almost as one whilst demonstrating their routines and several solo demonstrations involved dangerous looking swords and knives.

The brightly coloured outfits of the Indian dancers matched the quirky movements and jangly music as they danced, accompanied at times by explanations of the various moves. It was beautiful to watch and full of humourous and interesting touches such as the flower petals that were flung into the air at the end of one piece.

Behind the stage area where the performaces were held, there was a space filled with tents offering different things from around the world. There was exotic food and drink (the Indian mango lassi was my favourite) as well as gifts and information. You could have your hair braided in the African tent, enjoy a kebab from the Arabian tent and even get past copies of the Voice of Exile from the information tent.

The crowd grew continuously and many languages could be heard around the tents and in the crowd. It is to be hoped that the event went some way to educating the local population as well as people from other countries about cultural variety from around the world, and with any luck the event will continue to grow in size and recognition in Warsaw.

posted by Becca @ 5:31 pm