Explore the World Through Art and Music: Rhode Island's 46th Annual Heritage Festival on September 21st at the WaterFire Arts Center

Published on Wednesday, August 21, 2024

The Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission is thrilled to announce Rhode Island's 46th Annual Heritage Festival, happening on Saturday, September 21st, from noon to 5 PM at the WaterFire Arts Center in Providence. 

Embark on a cultural journey like no other—right here in Rhode Island! Join us for a vibrant celebration of our state's rich and diverse heritage. The WaterFire Arts Center will come alive with culture, music, and dance from every corner of the globe. We are honored to have Governor Dan McKee kick off the festivities with a welcoming address, followed by a Land Acknowledgment provided by Silvermoon Mars LaRose. Our dynamic emcees Kobi Dennis and Angela Sharkey will keep the excitement going all day long. 

This extraordinary event brings together the many cultures of Rhode Island, showcasing an incredible array of talent. Experience captivating cultural exhibits, stunning visual art, and mesmerizing musical performances from heritage groups across the state. Savor delicious traditional foods and drinks from local favorites like Cultro PVD, Eat Village Greek, Angkor Boba Tea House, and The Luxe Lemon food trucks. The children's area will be buzzing with free face painting, arts, and crafts to delight our youngest attendees. 

The festivities kick off at 11:50 AM with a spectacular parade of international flags from over 30 countries, officially starting the festival at noon. 

Prepare to be amazed by a lineup of cultural performances that will transport you around the world. Enjoy singing, dancing, and storytelling from various heritage backgrounds, with a full schedule of performances and presentations, including: 

12:00 PM 

  • RIHPHC Executive Director Jeffrey Emidy  
  • Lt. Governor Sabina Matos 
  • Silvermoon Mars LaRose
  • Ahlyha Nicole Bright – Singing the National Anthem 
  • Jingle Dress Dance
  • Fraternidad Folklorica Boliviana 
  • PADAM – Kuchipudi, Indian classical Dance Group 
  • Lydia Perez and Yoruba 2 – Puerta Rican Drum Group 
  • SGTV Alpenblumen Bavarian Folkdance Group 

1:00 PM 

  • Nazeli Armenian Dance Group – Dance Group 
  • Rhode Island Black Storytellers 
  • Dance BFF - Bollywood Fusion Dance Group 
  • Azama Dance Group - Middle Eastern Dance 
  • French American School of Rhode Island – Singing Group 

2:00 PM 

  • The Colombian American Cultural Society – Dance 
  • RI Swedish Heritage Association – Swedish Folk Songs 
  • Quisqueya In Action Folklore Dance - Dominican Dance 
  • Rhode Island Tamil Sangam and School – Dance Group 
  • Medalit Scott - Peruvian Dance Performer 

3:00 PM 

  • Aftab Dance Group - Iranian Dance Group 
  • Arte Latino of New England - Storytelling 
  • Kelley School of Irish Dance – Dance Group 
  • Morenada Boliviana San Bartolomé - Dance Group 
  • Seoyon Kim - Korean Harp Musician 

4:00 PM 

  • Napua O' Polynesia – Kahiko (Ancient) and Modern Hula Dance Group 
  • Rhythm Nation Dance Company – Filipino Dance Group  
  • Ecuador Sumag Llacta – Dance and Musical Performance  
  • India Association of Rhode Island – Dance Group 
  • Falun Dafa Association of New England - Meditation Instruction 

Explore interactive heritage displays, shop for unique arts and crafts, and immerse yourself in hands-on activities hosted by: 

  • Andean Cultural Center of Rhode Island 
  • Arte Latino of New England 
  • Books Are Wings 
  • Cape Verdean Museum 
  • Center for Southeast Asians 
  • Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island 
  • Falun Dafa Association of New England 
  • Greater Providence YMCA 
  • India Association of Rhode Island 
  • India Museum & Heritage Society 
  • International House of Rhode Island 
  • Iranian American Cultural Society of Rhode Island 
  • Korean American Association of Rhode Island 
  • Lady Elfreda H. Thorpe and Williametta Thorpe 
  • Medalit Scott and Luis Paredes representing Peru 
  • Puerto Rican Institute for the Arts and Advocacy, Inc 
  • Peace Flag Project 
  • Retablos Palomino Jiménez 
  • RI Black Heritage Society 
  • RI Black Storytellers 
  • RI Day of Portugal 
  • RI Office of Attorney General 
  • Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency 
  • RI Swedish Heritage Association 
  • RI Tamil Sangam 
  • Roger Williams Park Zoo 
  • St Andrew's Society of RI 
  • Tomaquag Museum 
  • Turkish American Cultural Society of Rhode Island 
  • United Way 211 RV 

This festival is made possible in part by a grant from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, through an appropriation by the Rhode Island General Assembly, and a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. Our sponsors include United Way of RI, Amica Insurance, Coastal1 Credit Union, Neighborhood Health Plan of RI, Women and Infants/ Urogynecology, Navigant Credit Union, and Tri-County Community Action Agency. 

 

RIs 46th Heritage Festival