September 9 – PEABODY – One of the region’s most popular festivals has to be the Peabody International Festival, hands down.
More than 65 food booths on Main, Wallis and Foster streets, the day-long party is back this Sunday, September 11, after two consecutive years of cancellations due to COVID-19.
“The International Festival is our city’s premier community event, drawing tens of thousands of people to Main Street and downtown Peabody. The festival celebrates our community’s ethnic heritage and cultural diversity through food, art and entertainment,” said Mayor Ted Bettencourt .
After a two-year hiatus, Bettencourt says he expects one of the largest crowds in the festival’s history to attend the event.
In addition to all the delicious treats, festival goers can enjoy live music throughout the day and stop to enjoy the festival’s beer garden. The Kid’s Corner International Festival will take place at Veterans Memorial Park in the East End from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. It will feature arts and crafts, character shows, interactive games, music, dancing, a bounce house, hula-hoop contest, watermelon contest, eggnog. throws, character shows, face painting and other activities.
For art lovers, the festival’s Gallery has been a staple for decades. Under a large and welcoming tent on Foster Street, paintings and photographs from some of the region’s most talented and creative artists are on display.
In the early days of the Festival, the food and entertainment largely reflected the ethnic makeup of the city at the time – Greek, Portuguese, Armenian, Irish, Italian and Polish. Since then, it has grown to reflect today’s expanded diversity. Festival goers today can also experience culinary and performance artists from Latin America, Central America and the Caribbean, the Pacific Islands, South America and the Middle East.
The festival’s culinary offerings largely reflect the global essence of the International Festival. Of course, there will be the expected party or fair snacks – burgers, popcorn, pretzels, fried dough. The vast majority of festival vendors will serve much more than just food, they will offer a piece of culture.
In just a few steps, festival goers can take a culinary journey around the world. Start with some Cambodian Lemongrass Beefsteak or Papaya Salad from Theara Spicy Kitchen, try the United Polish Organization’s golumpki and maybe some Armenian sweets served by Sayat Nova Armenian Dance Company. If that’s not enough, try some Brazilian food from Mr. Petisco or strawberry shortcake from All Saints Episcopal Church.
Since the festival will be held on Sept. 11, city officials will use part of the event’s ceremony to honor those lost during the 2001 terrorist attacks, Bettencourt said.
The rain date of the festival is set for September 18.
IF YOU GO
PEABODY INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL
Sunday, September 11, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m
(Rain date – September 18, 11:00 – 17:00)
Main Streets, Wallis and Foster, Peabody
Live music, art and food. Free event.
For more information about the festival, visit https://ifestpeabody.com/
