By Paige Kocourek
Photo by Marshall University.
Culture is an invaluable part of our world and always has been. It creates a united identity and binds communities and people together in a profound manner. The preservation of culture is essential to continually transform our world for the better and generate new, unique ideas for solving complex problems. Culture brings together diverse voices and experiences, which is necessary for growth and lifelong learning as well as for preserving heritage. While the Appalachian region has a deeply rooted culture of its own, West Virginia actively celebrates cultures from around the globe through varying events and festivals. This is important to communities throughout the state because it allows West Virginians and visitors to experience a new way of life and traditional values.
The first of many internationally themed events in the state takes place in Shepherdstown, WV. The Bavarian Inn hosts an unmatched Oktoberfest, which celebrates German traditions in food, music and dance. The annual, outdoor event is ideal for the entire family, with children’s activities on-site and an assortment of German beer and wine to enjoy alongside selections from Bavarian Brother’s Brewing. Vendors are arranged throughout the property and guests can enjoy themselves as they witness unbeatable views. The Bavarian Inn’s Oktoberfest is an essential international festival to attend.
The next event is both unique and representative of countries spanning far and wide. The Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting is the largest and longest-running water tasting in the world. Judges taste water from across the U.S. and as far away as Tajikistan, New Zealand, Indonesia, Greece and St. Kitts and select a winner for a variety of categories, such as best purified water, best municipal water and best sparkling water. No one can deny the importance of water, and the event hosts seminars covering important topics like sustainability and the cost of water.
The city of Wheeling, WV, is no stranger to a full schedule of international events, one of these being the Grecian Festival that takes place each July. For over 20 years, St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church has brought Greece’s tastes, sights and sounds to Wheeling. Those who attend the festival will enjoy traditional Greek food—like moussaka, pastitsio and gyros—authentic dance and musical performances and other activities that bring Greek culture alive. Visitors can tour the church, attend cooking classes and enjoy Greek desserts, like the Baklava cheesecake, which may just become your next Achilles heel.
Wheeling is not the only West Virginia town to dive into its ethnic background; the town of Helvetia is known for honoring and preserving its Swiss roots. Although many festivals are sprinkled throughout Helvetia’s busy year, the most popular events are the Helvetia Community Fair and Fasnacht. The small town, while already rich in culture, truly embodies its Swiss heritage during these celebrations. The Helvetia Community Fair includes authentic activities like yodeling, Swiss folk dancing and flag swinging, alphorn playing, a parade and more.
Fasnacht is a pre-Lenten celebration and one of the most distinctive festivals in West Virginia. The festivities include a candlelight parade, a square dance, the burning of Old Man Winter and the consumption of delectable, traditional food. All the while, Fasnacht goers wear homemade masks throughout the evening. Helvetia is a true example of keeping traditions alive.
Fitting for its name, Ireland, WV, also taps into its heritage with an annual event called the Irish Spring Festival. Beginning more than 40 years ago, the events of the day include a parade, old fashion square dance and crowning of a festival king and queen. The days during the festival are packed full of activities, and outdoor adventurers can enjoy the tradition of hiking to Blarney Rock, a boulder sitting on a mountain overlooking the town, in celebration of the vernal equinox.
Covering a span of cultures, the Marshall University International Festival is West Virginia’s longest-running international festival. People from across the state can come together and learn about many different countries and customs. The annual festival has expositions showcasing food, music, dance and other important cultural traditions set up to bring everyone together and preserve heritage. Restaurants from the tri-state area also gather to serve up international cuisine. Visitors are given the opportunity to travel the world in one room.
Like Marshall University, West Virginia University’s (WVU) International Street Festival is an annual event showcasing cultures from around the globe. Students and scholars alike have the opportunity to show their diverse backgrounds by setting up booths along High Street in Morgantown, WV, along with local vendors and performers. WVU has over 1,200 international students from over 100 countries, and this event is the perfect place to share the mix of such incredible cultures.
Embodying Italian heritage, Clarksburg, WV, hosts the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival, and it is a spectacle to be seen. From authentic Italian food and singing to dances, pageantry and the arts, the event is full of elements reflecting the pride for Italian heritage. Thousands are drawn to the area each year to join in the celebration.
West Virginia is fortunate to have an abundance of internationally themed festivals and events. Immerse yourself into a new culture while experiencing something new and truly wonderful.
