One World Day Celebrates Diversity and Inclusion in Cleveland Cultural Gardens

by D. Heckman - info@cleveittous.com

CLEVELAND, OH - The annual One World Day celebration in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens transforms the scenic paths and roadway into a vibrant and bustling demonstration of the true melting pot of traditions, flavors, and rhythms that make up Cleveland. Imagine strolling through an enchanting landscape that houses a myriad of gardens, each dedicated to a different nationality, showcasing the essence of their heritage. This event is a spectacular celebration of unity, an explosion of colors, aromas, and rhythms that resonate across cultures. This year, the iconic event celebrated its 77th annual One World Day celebration.

A Unique Fusion of Cultures

The Cleveland Cultural Gardens are a captivating gem, nestled within the urban sprawl. These gardens serve as living tributes to the city’s multicultural essence, with each garden representing a different nationality. From the Italian Garden to the Hebrew Garden, these spaces breathe life into the histories and traditions of countless communities. The splendor of One World Day lies in its ability to draw together this incredible mosaic into a single, exhilarating celebration.

A Day Like No Other

Walking along a bustling parade route, you watch a procession of cultures march by in their exquisite attire, each step resonating with pride and unity. This is just the beginning of One World Day. As part of the 'Cleve-It To Us' video segment, we immersed ourselves in the kaleidoscope of the event. We delighted in the vibrant dances, marveled at the intricate crafts, and savored the diverse array of foods that transformed the event into a global feast.

Meeting Local Entrepreneurs

During our time at One World Day, we had the honor of meeting two remarkable local business owners, Amy Roth and Sonal Jain. Amy Roth, of Amy R. Roth & Co, shared her tailoring expertise, offering insights into her craft. Sonal Jain, owner of Chamak Dhamak Shop, delighted us with her vibrant Indian gifting and home decor store, which brings cultures together through thoughtful presents.

A Symphony of Performances

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the air came alive with melodies from various performances. The world-renowned Cleveland Singing Angels graced the stage, their harmonies weaving together a soundscape that resonated across the cultural spectrum. From traditional dance forms to contemporary beats, the performances epitomized the celebration’s theme of unity through diversity.

A Shout-Out from Alex Borstein

Adding to the tapestry of unity, on Friday, August 25th Alex Borstein, renowned for her roles in "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" and "Family Guy," gave 'Cleve-It To Us' a shout-out during a charity auction she was hosting.

The auction featured a bike used in the hit Amazon TV series "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," with proceeds supporting Mission Mums, an incredible woman-led organization that helps Ukranian refugees better integrate into their new local communities.

We shared Alex's shout-out online and while at the Ukranian Garden at One World Day decided to shed some light on the fabulous organization and all of the good that it does. We urge you to follow Alex's lead and extend your support to this essential cause.

A Day to Remember

One World Day 2023 unfolded on Sunday, August 27th, weaving together threads of culture, tradition, and connection. The memory of this captivating event lingers in the air, an enchanting promise of future celebrations. We invite you to experience this remarkable day next year, a day that showcases the very best of Cleveland's multicultural spirit through music, art, dance, and delectable cuisines from around the world.

A special thanks to the Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation, Ashley Shack (Production Manager), Kayla Royko (Audio/Visual), Amy Roth, Sonal Jain and all those who spoke with our Cleve-It To Us team during the One World Day celebration.

Segment Music: Klezmer Kaos Froggy Kaos & Kroke Spiel Klezmer Yiddish Freylekhs