The Salt Lake City Arts Council's is proud to present the annual Living Traditions Festival, a celebration of authentic and traditional folk and ethnic arts. Living Traditions brings together people of all ages and backgrounds to honor cultural traditions and diversity within our beautiful city.

Local ethnic artists—craftspeople, dancers, musicians, and chefs—provide the framework for the Living Traditions Festival. They teach us about techniques, styles, tools and materials used in their respective art forms, many of which are centuries old. Featured guests artists contribute to the festival experience by presenting musical styles that are not necessarily indigenous to Salt Lake but enhance the overall celebration.

By preserving the cultural traditions in every community, we are grateful for the contributions that artists make to our sense of place and our understanding of cultural experiences.

This year as we celebrating cultural diversity, we once again invite you to enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors of the Living Traditions Festival. We hope you experience—in a spirit of mutual respect and understanding—the various cultures that contribute to the cultural depth of Salt Lake City.

BOCCE BALL AT LIVING TRADITIONS
Bocce, ancient sport introduced to the Romans by the Greeks, is taking root in American sports culture. It was played everywhere, from churches and castles to city streets. People from all walks of life could play the game; young and old, men and women. Bocce became so popular in Italy that it was once threatened with prohibition because people who played games in the streets were hitting the knees of passing noblemen with bocce balls.

This ancient game, whose modern adaptation most closely resembles bowling and is played around Europe and also on other continents with Italian immigrants, including Australia and North and South America, requires skill, strategy and just a little luck. Members of the Utah Bocce Association set up the courts at Living Traditions and provide instruction in the game throughout the festival.

Source: Salt Lake City/Torino Sister Cities Exchange