10 Ethnic Festivals In Arizona That Will Wow You In The Best Way Possible
By Monica Spencer|Published June 27, 2017
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Monica Spencer
Author
Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
On the lookout for something new and fun to do that will introduce you to new experiences right here in Arizona? There are quite a few options when it comes to outdoorsy activities but what about if you just want to chow down on some tasty food and enjoy cultural festivities? Then you’ll want to check out some of the incredible ethnic festivals hosted here in Arizona. Each one features the absolute best of the various cultures of Arizona residents.
This annual festival is held in March at Tempe Beach Park and celebrates the cultures of the Hawaiian and South Pacific islands. The event is free and has plenty of food, music, performances, and vendors. Plus, you can even enter a raffle to win a trip to Maui!
This festival is held in July in Arizona’s own "highlands" and is the great reason to escape from the summer heat. Enjoy music, dancing, games, workshops, and check out the genealogy tents to trace your own lineage.
This annual festival takes place every February in downtown Phoenix and represents a combination of modern and traditional Japanese culture. You’ll get to see a number of performances, a tea ceremony demonstration, purchase locally-made or imported goods, and eat meals served by Japanese restaurants from around the city.
A celebration of Brazil’s Independence Day from Portugal, this September festival feels like a day-long party with Brazilian music, dance performances, and food. You’ll also get to see and participate in workshops that focus on aspects of Brazilian culture, like capoeira, samba, and how to play some of the unique instruments.
This is one of many Day of the Dead events happening around the state in October. The Mesa Arts Center presents this free event with plenty of music, performances, food, altar contests, and family friendly activities that will even keep the kids entertained.
Now in its eighth year, this annual festival held in September celebrates Hopi culture with traditional music, dance, demonstrations, food, and art. If you’ve somehow never had the pleasure of snacking on piki bread, this is your chance!
This two-day festival held in March each year celebrates Italian culture and its long history with music, delicious food, and a chance to buy Italian goods.
Hosted in Window Rock, this mutli-day fair is one of several you’ll find scattered around the Navajo Nation during the months of September and October. Celebrated with parades, rodeos, and carnivals, you’ll also find traditional song and dance, delicious foods (both traditional and more modern fare), and the famous Miss Navajo contest.
This free festival is held in February and is the perfect place to experience Polish food, drinks, and culture. Watch folk dancing, pierogi eating contests, and live music. Plus, you can participate in the "can you polka" contest.
This multi-day festival takes place in September and is the perfect place to find amazingly delicious street food, enjoy Greek dance and music, and even check out their bazaar for clothing, jewelry, and more!
