For the past 27 years, Pangea has highlighted and celebrated the diversity of our communities. This event showcases the different cultures that made the Red River Valley their home, their traditions and their wonderful art and food. Pangea is a community collaboration directed by the Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County, Cultural Diversity Resources, and the New American Consortium for Wellness and Empowerment.
Each year, the community has had the opportunity to come together to celebrate our diversity, a tradition that has become one of the community's most beloved events. A group of local chefs, musicians, artists, and merchants share the unique heritage that their families brought to the Red River Valley.
Last year, due to the pandemic that had the whole world quarantined, Pangea was offered virtually. There is a collection of videos from that event, Pangea 2020 (Quarantine Edition), that can be seen here (you need to scroll down- the videos show different people showcasing something about their particular culture. From how to make Masala Chai (India), how to make Meethi Seviyan (Pakistan), a demonstration of African percussion instruments, and a tour of Ojibwe and Dakota sweat lodge traditions, to dancing from South India).
This is an event that is interesting for everyone, with activities for both adults and children of all ages. There's something for everyone. The museum and auditorium become an international showcase where the flavors of chai and samosas complement the aromas of aebelskiver and lumpia and the sounds of mariachi and indigenous drumming. Some people wear their countries' traditional clothes, others showcase their countries' art, dancing and music. The whole place is full of wonderful sounds, colors and smells. At Pangea, the global roots of our community are on full display.
There are three main areas at Pangea: A Taste of the World, the International Bazaar and the Pangea Stage.
Located in the Auditorium inside the museum, it offers the opportunity for the attendees to taste a variety of international selections of food and drink. The menus from previous festivals have included fry bread tacos, egg rolls, stir fry, chicken tikka masala, crepes, fried plantains, among other delicious dishes.
This area has tables for people to sit and enjoy their selections as well.
*If you would like to participate as a food vendor at this year's festival, please fill out the form here.
Stationed around the museum's galleries and halls, it offers attendees with a variety of shopping opportunities from different vendors from our community, as well as booths exploring local cultural heritage and social services.
There's also children activities, related to the festival, in this area.
*If you would like to participate as an exhibitor at this year's festival, please fill out the form here.
Set in Heritage Hall inside the museum, this stage offers a diverse set of entertainment all day. It ranges from dance and musical performances, to demonstrations from individuals and groups from a variety of cultures. This showcase is designed to introduce festival attendees to a wide range of our community's cultural diversity and traditions.
*If you would like to participate as a performer or demonstrator at this year's festival, please fill out the form here.
So, if you enjoy meeting people from all over the world, tasting food from multiple cultures and seeing musical and other cultural performances- set your calendars for Saturday November 13th and join us to celebrate diversity in the Fargo/Moorhead area, in Pangea- Cultivate Our Cultures 2021.
Note-
Pangea is scheduled to be a face-to-face, in person event unless COVID restrictions increase, or there's a change in the pandemic's guidelines. If the planning committee decides to go virtual, all participants will be informed well before the event date.
Pangea is a community collaboration sponsored by several local organizations and businesses, such as Hornbacher's, The FM Area Foundation, and The Alex Stern Family Foundation.
Pangea is also funded by The Arts Partnership, with support from the Cities of Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo and from Sanford Health. It is also made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage fund, and through grants from the Lake Region Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation as well.
