Chicago’s Navy Pier celebrates global cultures

Chicago’s Navy Pier will host a trio of special events in the coming weeks highlighting the city’s cultural diversity.

Navy Pier joined hands with ComEd to host ‘Global Connections Series,’ comprising the three cultural celebrations of Chinese New Year (February 5), International Carnivale (March 5) and Holi (March 19).

Global Connections presented by ComEd, a fun and festive free event series of traditional cultural performances, cuisine and live entertainment.

"As the People’s Pier, we take pride in showcasing and celebrating the multitude of cultural festivals and holidays that support the Pier’s mission of being a welcoming destination f," said Marilynn Gardner, President and CEO of Navy Pier.

The Global Connections series is a part of ComEd’s Powering the Arts initiative, focused on providing free, accessible entertainment to the public b.

Kicking off the festivities, Chinese New Year at Navy Pier will be held on Saturday, February 5 from 1-5 p.m. in the Aon Grand Ballroom which will be transformed into a family-friendly Chinese marketplace. Visitors can experience live performances of dance, music, martial arts, drumming and more featuring the best of Chicagoland’s Chinese artists. Guests can also browse Chinese artisan vendors, enjoy Chinese food and more.

International Carnivale presented by ComEd will take place on Saturday, March 5 from 1-5 p.m. in the Aon Ballroom. The one-of-a-kind Mardi Gras event, hosted by Logan Lu, will feature art making activities, music, and dance from across the globe including Brazil, Italy, Puerto Rico and North America.  The event will also feature live performances by Chicago Samba, La Tosca, Plena Project presented by Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center and Four Star Brass Band.

The Global Connections series will conclude with Holi, the colorful Hindu springtime festival on Saturday, March 19 from 1-5 p.m. The free public event, sponsored in part by the Delhi Committee of Chicago Sister Cities, invites all to celebrate outdoors on the Pier by throwing handfuls of coloured powder, available for purchase on site. Guests can also enjoy free live dance and musical performances inside the Aon Grand Ballroom.

"Chicago and Delhi have enjoyed a strong sister city partnership since 2001, and we are thrilled to partner with Navy Pier so that Chicagoans and visitors can participate in the Holi celebration," said Smita Shah, Director on the Navy Pier Board of Directors and Chairman of the Delhi Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International.

Located on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is the top nonprofit tourism destination in the Midwest, stretching more than six city blocks and typically welcoming nearly nine million annual guests.

It showcases more than 50 acres of parks, restaurants, attractions, retail shops, sightseeing and dining cruise boats.