Each September, the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows comes alive with the colors, tastes, and sounds of the Annual Festival of Faiths and Cultures. Booths selling both food and merchandise and representing more than 25 different cultures are arranged inside and outside the Shrine’s Visitors and Conference Center.

Eager to sample something new, visitors try tastes from around the world at the International Food Court. Menus vary with delicious choices for lunch, dinner, and midday snacks. Even international beverages are featured in the Wine & Beer Garden, new to the Festival this year.

Colorful stage performances are presented throughout the day by people of many ethnic backgrounds and faiths. With the theme of Celebrate People, Celebrate Peace, the festival provides an opportunity to experience a diversity of lifestyles, languages, and cultures. Unique gifts are offered for sale from a wide choice of cultures.

The Interactive Children’s Village gives children of all ages a world of fun as they learn about the people of our global community. The village offers numerous activities, including a peace museum, a Mexican plaza, and a Taiwanese village.

Festival goers learn about the traditions, beliefs, prayers, and symbols of a variety of faiths at the Interfaith Learning Center. The center provides insight into different faith traditions. The center has hosted many different faiths, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Mormonism, Islam, and Mennonite.

This year’s festival is Saturday, September 9, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Shrine’s Visitors and Conference Center. For more information, please go on-line at www.snows.org.