On Jan. 26, the city of San Ramon held their eighth annual Culture in the Community festival at the Dougherty Station Community Arts Center.
The event brought together diverse communities through music, dance, art and storytelling, giving community members a way to experience the customs and traditions of different cultures. With over 35 community groups performing, visitors had the opportunity to witness cultural dances, musical performances and interactive art workshops that highlighted the unique backgrounds of San Ramon’s residents.
A highlight of the event was the cultural booths hosted by volunteers who live locally and Representing countries such as Azerbaijan, China, Eastern Europe and Peru. These booths featured traditional clothing, artifacts, books, artwork and a lot more. Attendees could explore these exhibits, interact with representatives and gain a deeper understanding of global traditions.
Art workshops contributed to making the festival an interactive learning experience. From Chinese brush painting and Lunar New Year red envelope making to Argentine tango and classical Indian dance lessons, there were a variety of hands-on opportunities for participants to engage with cultural expression.
As the festival worked to bring community members together, it provided residents with the opportunity to mingle and meet new people. Event organizer Adam Chow, a recreation supervisor with the San Ramon Parks and Community Department, emphasized that the festival is not just about performances and exhibits.
Chow stated: “One of the best things about this event is that it encourages people to learn from their neighbors. It creates a space where people can share their backgrounds and traditions in a welcoming and accessible environment.”
The city of San Ramon worked closely with community leaders, PTA members and diversity coalition groups to ensure the festival remained inclusive and representative of the city’s growing cultural diversity. The collaborative planning process helped shape an event that resonated deeply with residents and reflected their diverse backgrounds.
As San Ramon continues to grow and diversify, events like the Culture in the Community Festival play a crucial role in fostering cultural appreciation and education. The festival is not just a celebration of traditions but seems to build a bridge connecting different communities, strengthening relationships and making sure that cultural heritage remains a big part of the city’s identity.
Beyond cultural appreciation, the festival also plays a crucial role in educating San Ramon’s youth. As the city becomes more diverse each year, events like these help young people understand and appreciate different backgrounds.
“It’s important for our younger generation to see and experience different cultures firsthand,” Chow explained. “This kind of exposure not only builds cultural awareness but also fosters respect and curiosity about the world around them.”
By incorporating classes and activities like traditional Indian dance classes and art sessions to learn pottery, the city took a step forward to encouraging the youth of San Ramon to explore different cultures and ways of expression, helping children to understand the importance of community.
Additionally, the festival also provided a platform for local artists and small businesses to showcase their work and talents. Many of the event’s vendors and performers are small business owners or independent artists who rely on smaller community events to reach a wider audience.
Looking ahead into the future, the festival organizers are committed to expanding the event, incorporating new cultures, and continuing to provide an inclusive space where people of all backgrounds can come together to celebrate and learn about each other.
Event attendee Spandana Myneni stated “I look forward to events like these every year because there aren’t many opportunities to celebrate your culture with people in the community and it’s nice to see people coming together to celebrate something that really sets us apart from each other.”
The Culture in the Community Festival stands as an example of San Ramon’s commitment to embracing diversity and creating a strong tight knit community.
