World Square, an event with international flair, returns to Downtown Pittsburgh
World Square is returning to Market Square.
After missing last year because of the pandemic, “World Square — Welcoming All of Pittsburgh’s Neighbors” will return June 11-13. Hours are 5 to 8 p.m. June 11, noon to 8 p.m. June 12 and noon to 6 p.m. June 13.
The three-day event features international live music, food and handcrafted items for sale from people from Mexico, West Africa, Costa Rica, Peru and Afghanistan.
“Celebrating our rich immigrant cultures and providing opportunities for them to inform our community about the diversity and energy that help shape our city has never been more important than now,” said Mayor Bill Peduto, who collaborated with the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership in hosting the event here in 2019. “We’re thrilled to see the return of this event Downtown, and to recognize and celebrate the cultural expressions of our international neighbors.”
Russell Howard, vice president for special events and development at the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, said the event committee has been meeting for a few months to decide on whether to have it this year. They chose to host it over three consecutive days during the Three Rivers Arts Festival in nearby Point State Park because of the increase in foot traffic versus a weekly Friday schedule.
#WorldSquarePGH returns this summer!?
On June 11, 12, and 13, Market Square will become a showcase for businesses, artists, makers, performers, food purveyors, and more from across Pittsburgh's various international and newcomer communities.
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— Downtown Pittsburgh (@DowntownPitt) May 24, 2021
World Square aims to highlight the diversity of the various communities, said Feyisola Akintola, special initiatives manager in the city’s Office of Equity.
“We have such a vibrant immigrant, refugee and international community in Pittsburgh,” Akintola said. “It’s really exciting to have representation of these diverse cultures, different foods, cultural performances and musical acts, and bring them to increasingly engaged audiences in a positive and accurate way.”
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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