Indy celebrates cultural diversity

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Mayor Greg Ballard invited Indianapolis to celebrate the cultural diversity of the city on Saturday.

The Inaugural Sister Cities Festival at City Market was held on Market Street between Delaware and Alabama streets Saturday.

The festival featured food, music and entertainment and represented eight countries, including Brazil, Chine, Germany, Great Britain, India, Italy, Slovenia and Taiwan, according to a release.

"We've doubled the number of our Sister Cities over the past four years as a testament to both our local diversity and the goal of continuing to expand our involvement in cultural, economic, and academic exchanges," said Mayor Ballard. "This festival gives us the opportunity to highlight and enhance our global reach."

A family fun event included a Kids' Karnival, international marketplace, world cuisine, and a World Sports Park.

The Park gave guests the opportunity to try cricket, rugby, and other international sports.

A world stage featured an eclectic mix of entertainment. Performances at Saturday’s festival included headliner Delhi 2 Dublin from Vancouver, Canada.

Indianapolis' sister cities are Taipei, Taiwan, established in 1978, Cologne, Germany established in 1988, Monza, Italy, established in 1994, Piran, Slovenia, established in 2001, Hangzhou, China, established in 2008, Campinas, Brazil, established in 2009, Northampton shire County, UK, established in 2010, and Hyderabad, India, also established in 2010.