WATSONVILLE — Hundreds of people flocked to Watsonville City Plaza Sunday afternoon for the annual Multicultural Celebration.
The event, which was started six years ago, brings together a number of different organizations, churches, performing arts groups, restaurants and more to celebrate the various cultures present in the Pajaro Valley.
For many, it’s also a chance to make connections with people who do not see each other on a regular basis.
“It’s a great way to meet and interact with people,” said Aimee Mizuno of the Japanese American Citizens League. “It gets everyone curious about different cultures and traditions. We can really learn things from each other.”
The Japanese American Citizens League was just one of many booths set up by various groups, giving guests the opportunity to learn about various cultures by playing games, reading and making crafts. For the first time ever, attendees were also offered holiday train rides around the plaza.
Meanwhile, live entertainment was performed on two different stages and food of all kinds was available for purchase — everything from Mexican dishes to Slavic desserts.
Luci Basor of the Slavic American Cultural Organization explained why she thought events like the Multicultural Celebration were important to have in Watsonville.
“I don’t think everyone knows just how diverse our town really is,” Basor said. “Just looking at the street and building names — there’s so much history here, from all over the world.”
Dancing was a popular attraction for guests throughout the afternoon, with performances by the West African Dance Group, Worldanz, the Pacific Arts Complex Dance Group and others.
Around 4:30 p.m., Rabbi Eli Cohen of Chadeish Yameinu joined members of the local Jewish Community to light the Menorah and lead traditional songs. Nearby, children lined up to meet and take their picture with Santa Claus.
“It’s just a nice way to celebrate the holidays,” said Yeimi Rivas of Watsonville’s Pupuseria Marleny restaurant. “To embrace different traditions and beliefs — it brings people together.”
Following the Multicultural Celebration, the holiday tree lighting ceremony began.
The ceremony featured a welcome from Mayor Oscar Rios, and a performance by a local children’s choir, before the tree and plaza were lit.
