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The 2023 World of Nations Celebrations kicks off this weekend

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The City of Jacksonville presents the 31st World of Nations Celebrations will take place this weekend, February 18th and 19th, downtown.

Representing the Rivercity’s global diversity, local residents from 25 different countries will showcase their culture with artwork, dance, music, and delicious cuisine, according to COJ’s Chief of Sports and Entertainment Chandler Fussell.

“It’s an important event from the city, and it’s really great to see all the different cultures that are, you know, a part of Jacksonville throughout the world that you could experience all in Jacksonville, in one weekend,” Chief Fussell says.

Countries from Asia, South America, Europe, and the Caribbean will join the U.S.A. in a two-day celebration, promoting unity amongst diversity.

A very special event will highlight Saturday’s festivities.

“We also have a naturalization ceremony on Saturday, which is where the people becoming United States Citizens take their final oath of allegiance, which is the final step to become a U.S. citizen, so that’s a very cool event as well,” Fussell says.

Sunday will feature a Parade of Nations including all 25 countries listed below:

The Bahamas, People’s Republic of China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico, Palestine, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, U.S.A., U.S. Virgin Islands, and Venezuela.

With all of the artwork, entertainment, and cultural celebrations at the World of Nations, Chief Fussell says there’s one main reason that most people stop by.

“I think the main kinda focus people come for is the food,” he says. “Obviously, the food is the number one highlight of the weekend...Make sure you come hungry.”

The event begins at 10 am on Saturday and Sunday at the Tailgaters Parking Lot, located at 225 Talleyrand Avenue, next to the TIAA Bank Field.

To buy your tickets, which are $5 dollars, you can go to JaxWorldOfNations.com, to find maps, menus, entertainment, and more.

Parking at the Tailgaters Lot may cost $13 dollars. Additional Parking is available for $10 dollars in Lot C, D, and J.

Security will be similar to NFL games, where visitors are asked to bring clear bags and no re-entry is permitted.


Sheifalika Bhatnagar

Sheifalika Bhatnagar, News 104.5 WOKV

Sheifalika Bhatnagar is WOKV's morning traffic and news reporter. She is a University of North Florida graduate with a degree in Communication, focused on Multimedia Production and Journalism.

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