RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The smell of sizzling spices, the sound of beating drums and the swirl of vibrant costumes filled the air on Saturday as the 16th Annual International Festival, known affectionately as iFest, lit up Village Green Park with global flair.

Hosted by the Cordova Community Council, this free, family-friendly event welcomed hundreds to experience the heart and soul of Rancho Cordova’s cultural diversity all in one evening. From 5 to 9 p.m., the park transformed into a buzzing celebration of music, dance, food and friendship under the festival’s lively motto: “Small World, Big Party.”

“This is really a signature event for our community,” said Shelly Blanchard, executive director of the Cordova Community Council. “The whole purpose is to give newcomer groups in Rancho Cordova a place to showcase and celebrate their cultures and we absolutely accomplished that this year.”

Attendees of all ages packed the outdoor amphitheater for a range of performances representing more than a dozen cultures. From traditional Indian and Mexican folk dances to the spirited rhythms of a Ukrainian ensemble, the stage came alive with color, movement and pride.

“It’s always different, and that’s the beauty of it,” said Blanchard. “We had 12 performance spots filled with incredible talent. One moment you’re watching children perform a beautiful Mexican ballet folklorico, and on the other side of the park, people are enjoying food and drinks from every corner of the world.”

Food vendors served up international favorites and children explored hands-on cultural crafts and games. Adults, meanwhile, sipped their way through the “Wines of the World” tasting area, a 21-and-over feature sponsored by KP International Market that offered curated samplings of wine and beer from across the globe.

Adding an extra dash of magic to the evening, beloved Disney characters made special appearances throughout the festival. Merida from Scotland, Mirabel from Colombia, Mulan from China and Moana from Polynesia delighted young guests with hugs, high-fives and plenty of photo ops, each representing the global spirit at the heart of iFest.

The event, entirely volunteer-driven, is organized by a diverse committee of local residents who start planning months in advance.

“We’ll begin again in February,” said Blanchard. “We’re always looking for community members to join us and help us grow our reach.”

Though the event has evolved over the years, its core message has remained the same: Rancho Cordova is a place that welcomes everyone.

“This city has always been a crossroads, a place of acceptance and understanding,” said Blanchard. “Another small world, big party. The world is a colorful, beautiful place, and we are so lucky we can enjoy it right here in Rancho Cordova.”

iFest is a celebration of what makes this community thrive: its people, its cultures, and the joy of coming together.