AmeriMasala Returns with Unrivaled Display of Culture

Diggit Dave Schroeder

Join the diverse, colorful, cultural celebration of the AmeriMasala - featuring large-scale puppets, stilt-walkers, global music and cuisines, dancers, art, and more, all happening in Perry Square.

SATURDAY, JUL. 19

The cross-cultural culmination of community that is the AmeriMasala festival is as bright in color as it is in spirit. On July 19, "the most unique parade" will light up the streets of Erie with its 15- to 20-foot-tall puppets, 15-foot-long dragons, stilt walkers, and art crafted by locals. The creations will be accompanied by the jazzy sounds of a New Orleans-inspired marching band, the beat of a West African dance and drum ensemble, and the sultry samba of the renowned female Afro-Brazilian ensemble Batala.

Local chefs will be whipping up cuisines, and organizer Lynn Johnson said this year's festival – the 16th AmeriMasala – will have more diverse food options than ever before with everything from Puerto Rican to Middle Eastern, Mexican, vegan, and more. There will also be more dancers this year with performances of Cambodian, Chinese, and Irish dances, among others. Johnson said whether it's the bands jamming out or the dancers performing, the audience is encouraged to join in and experience a tradition they may not have otherwise.

"That's part of what AmeriMasala is all about," he said. "People cross lines they may not normally cross."

This year's focus is on local involvement as Johnson works with various groups to create a tradition that doesn't entirely rely on outside resources. As part of that effort, the Erie Art Museum will hold creative workshops for children and adults to create puppets, and Johnson recruited more local acts for entertainment.

Johnson calls it a unity event, a "cultural love expression," that looks to replace hate and racism with compassion and respect.

"We're in a curious time here, racially and culturally, it's very dark," he said. "Bad things are happening, and we need to constantly construct things that encourage each other's humanity, enhance each other's empathy."

The event had a 10-year run before 2010 when Johnson took a hiatus; it returned in 2018 and 2019, broke for the pandemic, and has continued from 2022 onward. Normally, the parade goes from 5th and State streets to Perry Square, but with the construction this year, there will be a new starting point TBD but likely near Ember + Forge (on 4th and State). It is family-friendly and all are welcome. 

11 a.m. with parade at noon // Perry Square, 601 State St. // Free // For more info: amerimasala.org