The Jackson International Food and Arts Festival was born from a series of community meetings organized by Mayor Jerry Gist in 2013.  Two community representatives in particular, Dr. Sandra Dee and Eduardo Morales, thought that it would be beneficial for Jackson’s foreign-born citizens to share their history, art, and culture with their fellow Jacksonians.  Dr. Dee and Mr. Morales agreed to co-chair the event and began recruiting like-minded community members to help organize, fund, and throw an international party in Jackson!

The festival’s mission is to spread cultural awareness, promote cross-cultural engagement, and celebrate the diverse backgrounds of residents throughout West Tennessee.  Food and art are important themes present in all cultures, countries, and religions, and the festival serves as a place for all cultures to share their cuisine, art, and traditional performances in Jackson.  The JIFAF aims to remind the community that despite differences in appearance, how we worship, or where we come from, there is far more that unites us than divides us.  

Under the leadership of Dr. Dee and Mr. Morales, and with the help of  many individuals, institutions, and businesses, the JIFAF has seen steady growth each year in cultural participation, community engagement, a beautiful and engaging parade, and a variety of awesome performances. The JIFAF was the recipient of the Heart and Soul of the Arts Award presented by the Jackson Arts Council in 2020!

Please join us September 23rd, for the 9th annual Jackson International Food and Art Festival and help make this year the best yet!

Parade of Cultures

Saturday, September 23, 2023

All participants will need to line up by 10:30 am.

Parade to begin at 11 am and conclude by noon. There is no cost to participate.

The Jackson International Food and Art Festival’s Parade of Cultures is always a beautiful display of cultures from around the world! From Argentina to Australia, from Germany to Nigeria, from Japan to India, from Mexico to Algeria, people from all over the globe who have come and settled right here in Jackson, TN. America is one of the few places in the world that such a display is even possible, much less celebrated. Jackson has many flavors to it and this parade show cases them all. The Parade will start at 11:00 am sharp. 

To participate in the festival, sign up using our Parade Form below. 

REGISTER FOR THE PARADE

Date: September 23, 2023

Location: Jackson Fairgrounds

800 South Highland Ave, Jackson, TN 38301

Click here for more information