Atlanta Nezian Festival

Saturday, July 5, 2014

This past weekend there were plenty of things to do around Atlanta. Not only was it a holiday weekend for Independence Day but there were activities and events happening all over the city that had people out and about. The Nezian Festival spent two days sharing the South Pacific Island culture with families at Grant Park in downtown. Dancers whirled around the open grassy area surrounded by onlookers. Drummers pounded away on traditional drums. The smell of food permeated the air as people perused some of the local artists and crafters who were set up  in booths overlooking the performance area. It was a nice afternoon in the park as I was treated to some culture I now want to know more about!

Coty Noojin (center) leads a hula dancing lesson as R.J. Isaac and his sister Deinnah try to follow along during the Nezian Festival at Grant Park in Atlanta on Saturday, July 5, 2014.

Coty Noojin (center) leads a hula dancing lesson as R.J. Isaac and his sister Deinnah try to follow along during the Nezian Festival at Grant Park in Atlanta on Saturday, July 5, 2014.

Ipo Ula (right) bangs on a drum as she performs with her family during the Nezian Festival at Grant Park in Atlanta on Saturday, July 5, 2014.

Ipo Ula (right) bangs on a drum as she performs with her family during the Nezian Festival at Grant Park in Atlanta on Saturday, July 5, 2014.

Mika Dickerson dances as she performs during the Nezian Festival at Grant Park in Atlanta on Saturday, July 5, 2014.

Mika Dickerson dances as she performs during the Nezian Festival at Grant Park in Atlanta on Saturday, July 5, 2014.

Tracy Smith (left) eats as he watches the performances during the Nezian Festival at Grant Park in Atlanta on Saturday, July 5, 2014.

Tracy Smith (left) eats as he watches the performances during the Nezian Festival at Grant Park in Atlanta on Saturday, July 5, 2014.

Mika Dickerson dances as she performs during the Nezian Festival at Grant Park in Atlanta on Saturday, July 5, 2014.

Mika Dickerson dances as she performs during the Nezian Festival at Grant Park in Atlanta on Saturday, July 5, 2014.

Edna Jeffries (center) learns to hula dance during the Nezian Festival at Grant Park in Atlanta on Saturday, July 5, 2014.

Edna Jeffries (center) learns to hula dance during the Nezian Festival at Grant Park in Atlanta on Saturday, July 5, 2014.

Nikki Baugh dances as she performs during the Nezian Festival at Grant Park in Atlanta on Saturday, July 5, 2014.

Nikki Baugh dances as she performs during the Nezian Festival at Grant Park in Atlanta on Saturday, July 5, 2014.

Lina Galeai dances as she performs during the Nezian Festival at Grant Park in Atlanta on Saturday, July 5, 2014.

Lina Galeai dances as she performs during the Nezian Festival at Grant Park in Atlanta on Saturday, July 5, 2014.

Kela Fisher bangs on a drum as he performs with his family during the Nezian Festival at Grant Park in Atlanta on Saturday, July 5, 2014.

Kela Fisher bangs on a drum as he performs with his family during the Nezian Festival at Grant Park in Atlanta on Saturday, July 5, 2014.

Mika Dickerson dances as she performs during the Nezian Festival at Grant Park in Atlanta on Saturday, July 5, 2014.

Mika Dickerson dances as she performs during the Nezian Festival at Grant Park in Atlanta on Saturday, July 5, 2014.