Nupurum Folk Dance showcased dances from the different states of India in brightly colored saris. (Saphara Harrell/ Salem Reporter)
The World Beat Festival is an annual event put on by the Salem Multicultural Institute in Riverfront Park that showcases different cultures from around the globe. On Saturday, event goers watched multiple performances including Indian folk dancing, African drumming and Irish step dancing, to name a few.
Dozens of food options lined the festival, tempting people with steamed bao buns and gyros.
On the water, dragon boats raced in the bright sun.
The event also runs on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets cost $5. Kids 14 and under are free. Oregon Trail cardholders are free. More info and a full lineup of events can be found at the World Beat website.
People find shade under umbrellas Saturday while Nupurum Fold Dance performs. (Saphara Harrell/ Salem Reporter)
A couple dances while Nii Ardey Allotey and Ekome perform traditional drumming at the amphitheater. (Saphara Harrell/ Salem Reporter)
Many audience members got up and starting moving while Nii Ardey Allotey and Ekome performed traditional drumming. (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter)
There were dragon boat races throughout the day Saturday. (Saphara Harrell/ Salem Reporter)
People watch as the dragon boats cross the finish line. (Saphara Harrell/ Salem Reporter)
Ethiopian stews served alongside injera were one of the many culinary offerings at the festival. (Saphara Harrell/ Salem Reporter)
Parasols were for sale as the sun shone brightly down on eventgoers. (Saphara Harrell/ Salem Reporter)
A feather headdress hangs on the back of a chair during a Pow Wow. (Saphara Harrell/ Salem Reporter)
Audience members took shade Saturday under umbrellas provided by the festival as temperatures reached into the high 70s. (Saphara Harrell/ Salem Reporter)
Have an event coming up? Contact reporter Saphara Harrell at 503-549-6250, [email protected] or @daisysaphara.
LOCAL NEWS AND A LOCAL SUBSCRIPTION — For $10 a month, Salem Reporter provides breaking news alerts, emailed newsletters and around-the-clock access to our stories. We depend on subscribers to pay for in-depth, accurate news. Help us grow and get better by subscribing today. Sign up HERE.
