Globus Festival is an event organized by the Drammen Kommune, the minority groups and Interkultur organization of the city. It is super nice to live in a city where activities like Globus is being held, i.e., people don’t need to go far to enjoy socializing with the rest of the city. The event celebrates the international Drammen, with focus on food and culture. It aims to show the positive sides of being an international, multi-cultural community. Tents serving foods from the different parts of the world, workshops, and presentation of traditional folk dances, music, arts and sports were enjoyed by everyone.
My Norwegian host mom once called Drammen as the shittiest city in Norway, but I really don’t think so. Nope! Not at all! Drammen is colorful, there’s the beautiful river Drammenselva, surrounding woods, lakes and mountains, and cool festivals like the Globus. Held in Strømsø Torg, the main square just in front the Drammen train station, Globus Festival gave me and my boyfriend an opportunity to taste dishes and delicacies from the different parts of the globe, and get a glimpse of the different cultures as well. Of course, I was very proud to show him the sought after Filipino food booths and the Philippine folk dances, particularly the tinikling. It was super fun to watch people from other countries try the said dance, knowing how challenging it can be.
After buying food stubs, we explored the booths and searched for tasty-looking dishes. Then, we sat in the food tent and took delight of the different programs and showcases. My boyfriend tried some African, Asian and European dishes. He wanted to try something from all seven continents, but the Americas sold their stuff out fast! I missed lots of Pinoy foods, so I had bilo-bilo, cassava cake, some banana dessert dish, rice cake and Swedish yogurt cake. 😛
Some of the presenters are Plutselig Sirkus, Amazon Ensemble, Kilema, Capoiera, Eventyrteltet, G60 Flashmob, Indian Rhythms, Drammen Filipino Dance Group, Tamilsk kultursenter, Gypsies of Rajasthan, Drammen International Gospel Choir, Avano Iransk Kor, Afrikansk Gospel Choir, Marios Litauisk kor, New Dawn Entertainment, Drammen trekkspillklubb, Russisk foreningen Kalinka, Musikantene fra Drammen, Cueca dans, Den Palestinske kulturforening, Morgan Olai, Martina R, Uzia, and Mandé Brass band.
I do believe that the Globus Festival met its goal of building bridges amongst the different groups that compose the population of the beautiful city of Drammen! There was too much acceptance, appreciation and respect, and no trouble of glitches was observed. Except for two drunk old men, I guess, but they did not do any harm.. They just danced on the stage and had the times of their lives! 😀
I’m sure to attend the Globus Festival again next year, if it becomes an annual event! I was awed to see so many people from different countries coming together to uphold an international and multi-cultural community in Drammen. It makes me feel hope for a better tomorrow!
PinayOdyssey 