Ethnic festival delights with food, dancing

Last weekend, the streets of downtown Lincoln were taken over by the sweet smell of food and the sound of music of cultures from around the world.

For the fifth straight year, the Updowntowners, a segment of the Downtown Lincoln Association, hosted the Celebrate Lincoln ethnic festival June 20 and 21. The goal of Celebrate Lincoln is to bring different ethnic groups together for one large celebration.

So far, the festival has been quite successful. About 30,000 people from 24 different states came to Celebrate Lincoln last year. They listened to live bands, ate ethnic food and enjoyed some of the event's festivities.

While at the festival, families could have their portraits taken, watch their children compete in a variety of inflatable games, or take lessons from a professional belly dancer.

Daniela Mesquita, Celebrate Lincoln's event chair, said she felt this year's event would be even better than previous years. She said the event has grown every year since it began.

"A few years ago we took up one and a half blocks," Mesquita said. "Now we take up three whole blocks."

The three blocks stretched across 12th, 14th and N streets. In that radius, one could find games, food and a fun, family atmosphere.

"We are very family friendly. The whole experience is great," Mesquita said.

The festival is enticing to all nationalities, with more than 10 different countries represented in the "Flavors of the World" portion of the event. Someone could have dishes from Africa, Greece and Italy, just to name a few.

Ken Winston, whose band performed during the festival, said there were a few different reasons why he attended Celebrate Lincoln.

"The woman I date is currently with the Irish dancers," said Winston.

Winston said he also enjoyed having a good time at the festival, including sampling different beverages and delicacies only offered in other countries.

"We were really pleased with the turnout," Mesquita said.

mikeschaefer@dailynebraskan.com