Wethersfield Honors Cultural Diversity in a Vibrant Celebration: A Cultural Blast!

Maria Velez and Nancy Carranza, Baila Perú. Photo: Boceto Media

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Wethersfield’s third annual cultural celebration at the Pitkin Community Center brought together its residents and 33 vendors. What began three years ago with a diverse group has since gained strong support from the community and town officials.

Theresa Diggins, an organizing member of BIPOC, the group that launched the event, emphasized the importance of understanding and unity, “I think it's very important to understand differences, have courageous conversations, and look at perspectives. And so today, we choose to celebrate all of us.”

And celebrate what they did, showcasing Latin American, Asian and African cultures. Each moment was a reminder that embracing each other’s culture isn’t just powerful; it’s necessary.

Also, part of the original organizing team, Nancy Velez highlighted how the event brings neighbors together, “It’s a great event for the community to bring cultures together and just celebrate and get to know one another.”

From traditional storytelling to vibrant performances, this event gave younger generations a chance to witness and carry on their heritage.

Nancy Carranza, a dancer with Baila Perú, shared the joy of cultural expression through performance:
“It is very important to represent because we share our different types of dances and cultures with other communities. People were very appreciative; they really loved the dance, especially the children.”

Wethersfield’s diversity is growing, and local leadership is responding.

Michael Emmett, Superintendent of Wethersfield Public Schools, spoke about how the town is adapting to change, “We are an increasingly diverse community…and we have kids coming in from all over the world, so we needed to change with the times, and I'm proud of what we’ve done.”

Mudcloth Cultural Arts performing in Wethersfield. Photo: Boceto Media

Ledisi Love Johnson, representing the Mudcloth Cultural Arts Movement, shared a message of hope and unity, “We are the love; we are the community. We are the light… we all of us together doing this type of experience, we’re the future.”

Organizers say this is only the beginning. With plans already underway for 2026, they hope this celebration becomes a legacy, one that honors every voice, every culture, and every neighbor.