SALT LAKE CITY — The refugee community and Mariachi music are focus of separate celebrations coming up in the Salt Lake City area.
Friday is World Refugee Day, and the Utah Department of Workforce Services' Refugee Services Office is helping host a celebration to mark the day from 5-11 p.m. at Big Cottonwood Regional Park, 4300 S. 1300 East in Millcreek.
"World Refugee Day is a celebration of the vibrant cultures that make our community unique," said Michael Pekarske, director of the Utah Refugee Services Office. "This gathering is a wonderful opportunity for neighbors to connect, share traditions and experience incredible food, art and music. It is a day of joy, and we invite everyone to come celebrate with us."
Performers representing African, Ukrainian, Iraqi and other cultures will offer entertainment at the free event. Attendees can also take part in a range of activities for kids and others while food vendors representing a broad array of countries will also be on hand.
Mariachi Festival
The fourth annual installment of the Mariachi Festival is set for Saturday from 6-8 p.m. and will be held at Delta Hall at Eccles Theater, 131 Main St. in Salt Lake City. Doors open at 5 p.m. with food stands setting up outside the locale.
Featured performers at the free event include Mariachi Águilas de la Esperanza, Academia Mis Raíces, Trío Los Charros and Mariachi Fuego. Ballet Las Américas de Utah will also perform.
"Mexico is proud of its traditions and the richness of its culture," with mariachi music being one of the most representative examples, said Antonio Cruz Díaz, general consul of the Mexican Consulate in Salt Lake City. Mariachi music, he said, "is a universal language."
The consulate, Eccles Theater and the Blocks Art District are organizing the event.
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Tim Vandenack
