Festival Spotlights Multicultural Arts

The 10th annual Margo Albert Rainbow Festival of the Arts, celebrating the city’s diverse cultures, takes place today at Plaza de la Raza in Lincoln Park.

The festival will showcase Mexican-, Asian- and African-American arts and crafts, traditional foods, dance, and musical groups. Silversmiths, leather workers and traditional African clothes makers will participate. Children’s activities will include toy making and face painting.

When the festival began in 1982, it focused on Mexican folk life. This year, groups from the African- and Asian-American communities will participate for the first time.

“This is an invitation into our community,” said Rudy Garza, the festival’s coordinator. “There has to be an outreach to everyone. That brings participants to the festival who have not come before.”

The festival will also include the opening of an exhibit by noted Chicano artist Frank Romero and a classic charreada, or Mexican rodeo.

During the charreada, from 3 to 4 p.m., members of the Los Angeles based National Federation of Charros will demonstrate roping and riding techniques. “Escaramusa,” a riding group, will also perform.