Culture - Cultura

2004 Baltimore Fertivals SCHEDULE

Polish Festival, the Polish community kicks off the festival season with local, regional and national entertainment by polka bands and more; Polish crafts including hand-made dolls and afgans, and delicacies, June 4-6, Friday 4pm-10pm, Saturday and Sunday 12pm-10pm, Patterson Park at Eastern & Linwood avenues, 410-276-4019. $

Saint Nicholas Greek Folk Festival, a showcase of the Greek community featuring Greek dancing, costumes, cooking, imports, and tours of the Greek Orthodox Church, June 11-13, 10am-11pm daily, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 410-633-5020.

African-American Heritage Festival, features food, music, arts, clothing, books, health and education exhibitions, local community organizations, neighborhood associations, and entertainment June 18-20, Friday 3pm-10pm, Saturday 11am-10pm and Sunday 12pm-8pm, Oriole Park at Camden Yards, 410-318-8286.

LatinoFest 04, experience a lively weekend of Hispanic arts and culture featuring live Latin music headlined by Kevin Ceballo, dancers in costumes from their native lands, dance contests, arts& crafts, and Hispanic cuisine, June 26 & 27, Saturday noon-11pm and Sunday noon-9pm, Patterson Park, 410-783-5404. $

Caribbean Carnival 2004, with a traditional island costumed parade; soca, reggae, and steel drum bands; live international entertainment, elaborate costumes, and Caribbean cuisine, July 23-25, Friday 6-9pm and Saturday & Sunday 11am-9pm, Druid Hill Park, 410-230-2969. $

German Festival, a commemoration of German heritage, August 20-22, Friday and Saturday noon-10pm and Sunday noon-9pm, Carroll Park at Washington Boulevard and Monroe Street, 410-522-4144. $

Jewish-American Festival, the festival reunites after 10 years with entertainment, food, arts and culture, September 5 & 6, 11am-2pm daily, Hopkins Plaza at Hopkins Place and Charles Street, 410-342-6960. $

Ukrainian Festival of Baltimore 2004, a celebration featuring four dance groups, Ukrainian Easter Eggs demonstration, musicians, pierogi/pyohy eating contest, traditional crafts, Ukrainian beer garden and children's activities, September 11 & 12, noon-7pm daily, Patterson Park at Linwood and Eastern avenues, 410-687-3465.

Irish Festival of Baltimore, enjoy fabulous Irish and Celtic music, tasty food and drink, informative cultural and musical workshops and more, September 17-19, Friday 6-11pm, Saturday noon-11pm and Sunday noon-7pm, Fifth Regiment Armory at 29th Division Street near Howard Street, 410-472-2291.

Korean Festival, a cultural program with traditional dances, tae kwon do demonstrations, games and more, September 27, 8am-7pm, Wa r Memorial Plaza at Fayette and Gay streets, 410-242-6838.

Russian Orthodox Festival, a celebration of the Russian community, October 15-17, Friday & Saturday noon-8pm and Sunday noon-6pm, Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church at 1723 East Fairmount Avenue, 410-276-6171. $

Contact each festival individually for detailed information and vendor participation.

The Hispanic and Jewish communities of Baltimore meet periodically to discuss issues of common concerns and to increase their knowledge and understanding of each other. Their last meeting took place at the Jewish Museum of Maryland. Here are some views of the elegant, historic place.