FusionFest

“The Art of Joy” is the theme of this year’s FusionFest, which means that the annual multicultural extravaganza is out to prove that diversity is good not only for a city’s health, but for its happiness as well.

Now in its eighth year, the event will celebrate the contributions of our region’s heritage communities—the sheer number and extent of which you probably won’t realize until you go—through art, dance, fashion, food, film, music, poetry and other forms of creative outreach.

As has been the case every Thanksgiving weekend since 2018, the action will take place on the Seneff Arts Plaza, the grassy expanse that fronts Dr. Phillips Center. There, more than 20,000 people are expected to congregate during the creative and colorful two-day run.

For attendees and participants alike, FusionFest will offer a chance to learn about the more than 110 ethnicities that are woven into the local demographic tapestry, and to see how the things that make us distinctive have a funny tendency of showing how much we really have in common.

As always, there’ll be a naturalization ceremony for new citizens attended by such civic leaders as Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings. And arts and crafts activities for kids will reinforce the “joy” angle, teaching the younger set that learning about other cultures and traditions can be more fun than work.

This year’s program will offer some notable additions and expansions. The fashion component, for example, has been elevated from a side-stage feature to a mainstage event: “Colors of Culture: A Global Runway Experience” will feature traditional garb of many lands in a family-oriented presentation curated by designer Claudia Gutierrez.

In addition, authors from around the world will be on hand to showcase their books and stories, while local artists will immortalize the proceedings in sketches and paintings rendered in real time. And there’ll certainly be plenty to immortalize.

Of particular interest is Saturday night’s “FusionFlow,” a new presentation during which the festival’s foundational music and dance components will come together as performers representing seemingly disparate cultures present integrated routines to demonstrate the universality of creative expression.

Sure, it’s a lot to take in. But if the whole experience proves to be a bit overwhelming—which wouldn’t be an unusual reaction—then you’ll have a chance to take a breather via guided relaxation and meditation in the new Wellness Tent.

Changes are evident behind the scenes as well: Following the departure last year of founder Terry Olson—who is now president of the board at the Timucua Arts Foundation—the massive undertaking is now run by interim executive director Maria Fernanda Saavedra, who began as a volunteer at the first FusionFest.

Saavedra’s priorities include not only expanding the slate of festival features but cementing her organization’s roster of sponsors and promotional partners. The message is clear: Cultural outreach is bigger than any one person—and it takes a village to make a world.

Dr. Phillips Center is located at 445 South Magnolia Avenue, Orlando. For more information, call or visit the website.