Anusha Aswath, 8, orders a plate of vegetable pakora from The Curry Pot before performing the murugan, a traditional Indian dance, with other members of her Indian Classical Dance class, at the first annual Holiday Around the Globe event at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center on Thursday evening.Rain might have discouraged attendance at the first Holiday Around the Globe event at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, but it didn't dampen the spirits of those who showed up.
Thomas Sykes didn't hesitate Thursday night to get off his chair and start dancing to the African rhythms played by Ghana native Kofi Mawuko and his group.
The 3-year-old's mother, Kathy Sykes, said she brought her son to learn more about the different cultures.
"So far we are enjoying learning. The music has been great, [especially] learning how the music has come about in the different cultures," she said as the pair headed off to try some koulouria -- a Greek braided butter cookie -- or perhaps some chicken tandoori -- an Indian dish similar to barbecued chicken.
The celebration lasted four hours. There was music ranging from Scottish bagpipes to a Cuban dance; food that included pastries from Greece and a Native American soup; and crafts such as handmade jewelry from an Algeria native and note cards made by South Americans.
The goal was to bring awareness to the diversity in the area, said Rose Martin, executive director of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center.
Part of the center's strategy, she said, is to establish partnerships with other cultural entities to bring as many people as possible to programs at the center.
"We want others to have more information and awareness about other cultures, to know more about what we share and celebrate our differences," she said.
Tammera Hicks, who is Cherokee, had a booth displaying her husband's handmade flutes, Native American jewelry, masks and a traditional corn soup with hominy and deer meat -- a Cherokee tradition during the winter.
Hicks said mingling with vendors and attendees is what community is all about.
"I think it's a great way to welcome different cultures and bring awareness," she said.
"Getting acquainted, educating and learning from each other is important," she said. "We learn we are very close and alike even though we come from different places."
Contact Perla Trevizo at ptrevizo@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6578. Follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/Perla_Trevizo.