SATURDAY, JUL. 19
The cross-cultural culmination of community that is the AmeriMasala festival is as bright in color as it is in spirit. On July 19, “the most unique parade” will light up the streets of Erie with its 15- to 20-foot-tall puppets, 15-foot-long dragons, stilt walkers, and art crafted by locals. The creations will be accompanied by the jazzy sounds of a New Orleans-inspired marching band, the beat of a West African dance and drum ensemble, and the sultry samba of the renowned female Afro-Brazilian ensemble Batala.
Local chefs will be whipping up cuisines, and organizer Lynn Johnson said this year’s festival – the 16th AmeriMasala – will have more diverse food options than ever before with everything from Puerto Rican to Middle Eastern, Mexican, vegan, and more. There will also be more dancers this year with performances of Cambodian, Chinese, and Irish dances, among others. Johnson said whether it’s the bands jamming out or the dancers performing, the audience is encouraged to join in and experience a tradition they may not have otherwise…