A dozen nationalities were represented at the Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce's Multicultural Expo this year.
LIMA, OH (WLIO) - Lima residents with roots in other countries took time to share their heritage with others.
A dozen nationalities were represented at the Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce's Multicultural Expo this year, including people with family history in Egypt, the Philippines, and Trinidad.
The culture in the United States has always been influenced by traditions brought over by newcomers.
Booths for the different countries showed off traditional clothing, styles of art, and, of course, samples of their local foods. Some exhibitors also got on stage to perform or demonstrate music or activities from their countries. Organizers hope to promote acceptance in the community by creating a friendly space for people to have conversations with neighbors they otherwise might never meet.
"In America, we are trying to get to know each other to become good neighbors because we have many things from our country to share with y'all, and I know you too; you got other things that you would like to share with us so that we can mix our cultures together," said Gui Amos Marcelin, a representative of Haiti.
Organizers hope to promote acceptance in the community by creating a friendly space for people to have conversations with neighbors they otherwise might never meet.
The culture in the United States has always been influenced by traditions brought over by newcomers. One example people learned about at the expo was yoga, an Indian practice that dates back thousands of years.
"I think yoga is underused in America. A lot of people only have the idea that this is fitness exercise. This is way beyond fitness exercise. It reduces anxiety, nervousness. It improves focus; it improves the willpower and calms you down," said Dr. Suman Kumar Mishr, representing India.
Many booths also had authentic art and jewelry from their cultures for sale.
