Aizen Cruz of the Kinnaly Lao Traditional Music & Dance Troupe performs a Laotian dance as the Hanuman Monkey Warrior on the plaza stage outside the accesso ShoWare Center. The troupe was one of many acts that performed during the Kent International Festival last Saturday. MARK KLAAS, Kent Reporter

Aizen Cruz of the Kinnaly Lao Traditional Music & Dance Troupe performs a Laotian dance as the Hanuman Monkey Warrior on the plaza stage outside the accesso ShoWare Center. The troupe was one of many acts that performed during the Kent International Festival last Saturday. MARK KLAAS, Kent Reporter

A show of color, for all to see

Festival celebrates cultural diversity with music, dance, food and art | PHOTOD

  • Thursday, May 23, 2019 11:57am
  • Life

A springtime tradition, the Kent International Festival – a multi-cultural celebration – shone on a sun-splashed day last Saturday at the accesso ShoWare Center.

The 11th annual festival featured entertainment on three stages, cultural booths, authentic food and colorful art, and activities for guests, friends and families. The program, Learn from Each Other, celebrated cultural diversity. The festival each year embraces people of all ages and ethnicity. Kent is one the most diverse cities in the country.


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A young Folklore Mexicano Tonantzin dancer performs during the Kent International Festival in the sun-spangled plaza of the accesso ShoWare Center last Saturday. MARK KLAAS, Kent Reporter

A young Folklore Mexicano Tonantzin dancer performs during the Kent International Festival in the sun-spangled plaza of the accesso ShoWare Center last Saturday. MARK KLAAS, Kent Reporter

Tommie Burton, left, and John Lewis of the Sherrill Mitchell & JLM Worshippers perform at KIF. MARK KLAAS, Kent Reporter

Tommie Burton, left, and John Lewis of the Sherrill Mitchell & JLM Worshippers perform at KIF. MARK KLAAS, Kent Reporter

The Kent-based Saqra’s School of Bellydance perform at KIF. MARK KLAAS, Kent Reporter

The Kent-based Saqra’s School of Bellydance perform at KIF. MARK KLAAS, Kent Reporter

Kinnaly Lao Traditional Music Dance Troupe performs. MARK KLAAS, Kent Reporter

Kinnaly Lao Traditional Music Dance Troupe performs. MARK KLAAS, Kent Reporter

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