LIVING TRADITIONS PRESENTS

The Living Traditions Festival will return to Washington and Library Square on

May 19-21, 2023

The Living Traditions Festival supports the diverse artistic traditions and perspectives through the presentation of both historical and contemporary customs, facilitating thoughtful conversations about the unique qualities of various cultures, and the similarities of the human experience, while creating bonds among community members. By preserving the cultural traditions of their community, Living Traditions artists make a great contribution to our sense of place and help demonstrate Salt Lake City as a diverse and vibrant place to live. Admission is free for all event attendees, which brings together over 90 cultures that have made Salt Lake City their home.

SCHOOL DAY PROGRAM

The School Day program is intended for second, third, and fourth grade students. The event is organized in a series of learning stations with direct experiences with participating visual and performing artists.

Friday, May 19 from 9:00 a.m. – Noon

For more information please contact or click the link below to register!

School Day Registration Form

VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers provide an invaluable service to the operation of the Living Traditions Festival and contribute to supporting multicultural communities in Salt Lake City. 

Be a part of this event in Salt Lake City, and help with beverage sales, greeting at the gates, as well as set-up and break-down. Volunteers receive fun & exciting benefits, such as series t-shirts, soft drinks, and more! Volunteers also support an amazing community event, which promotes multicultural communities!

For more information please contact  or click the link below to sign up!

Volunteer Interest Form

PERFORMING ARTISTS

The traditional performances of music and dance provide a rich array of rhythm, movement, instruments, and vocals that engage the audience. Music and dance are often at the heart of cultural expressions found in every community, developed for celebratory, sacred and daily occasions. The performances also represent all ages, connecting the generations. These performing groups commit to preserving the traditional songs and dance of their respective communities and spend many hours in classes, rehearsal, and preparation.

 Robb Little Owl Martin

Ulhaas-Bengali Association of Utah

Utah Ko Triskalarisk

Utah Punjabi Arts Academy

CULINARY ARTISTS

The food market is a multicultural dining adventure, offering the traditional foods of various ethnic communities. One of the most anticipated elements of the Festival are the food vendors which are organized by local businesses, non-profits, and community groups who use the proceeds earned at the festival to re-invest in their year-round cultural programming, such as classes, workshops, performances and festivals. For the volunteer cooks, as well as family and community members who assist, the Food Market provides the opportunity to gather and share their most delectable food traditions with everyone who attends the festival. The food market also serves as an incubator for small businesses.

CRAFT ARTISTS

Exceptional examples of traditional crafts are created on-site by masters of their respective art forms. These craft artists have acquired the skills and techniques that are passed down through generations or learned through apprenticeships and demonstrate traditional crafts, materials, and techniques. Artists often share the history of the art form, as well as how they became interested in it. The traditional materials and techniques are part of the story as well. Many of the Living Traditions craft demonstrators have been recognized with awards for excellence.

Wood Carving

Mexican Piñatas

Pueblo Pottery

Tongan Crafts & Polynesian Bone Carving

WORKSHOPS

In the lower level of SLC Public Library, the Living Traditions Festival hosts a series of workshops with attendees who learn from the artists whose craft has been handed down through the generations, making its way to share their culture with the community.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Local arts and cultural organizations paired among diverse community members is what make Salt Lake City a vibrant place to live. Engage with these organizations and learn more about their mission and how to get involved.

For more information contact

FILM SCREENINGS

Join us for another medium to celebrate living traditions – film! These screenings will be located in the auditorium on the main level of the Salt Lake City Library.

More information to come.

ACCESSIBILITY

Restrooms, stages, inside the Library and all vendor booths are ADA accessible.
There is ADA parking available on 500 South at 200 East.

For an ADA accommodation, questions, or additional information, please contact . People with disabilities may make requests for reasonable accommodations no later than 48 hours in advance of intended attendance.

We also welcome and value all feedback as we strive to continue to improve our festival’s accessibility.

SPONSORS