The day began with a heartwarming Naturalization Ceremony at 11:00 AM on the Centennial Peace Plaza, welcoming new citizens into the fabric of the American community. Following this, the Parade of Flags at noon brought cultures together in a colorful display, starting from the Ethiopian Cultural Garden. The Armenian community was proud to participate, showing their spirit through traditional costumes, t-shirts, hats, and hand-held flags, all while upholding the event’s motto of peace and mutual respect.

One of the highlights of the day was the performance by Margarita Markosyan on the Main Stage at 2:45 PM. Margarita, a talented professional dancer, showcased a traditional Armenian dance, capturing the beauty and grace of Armenian culture. This rare opportunity to see her perform was a true honor. Members of the Narekatsi Dance Group also performed throughout the day in the Armenian Cultural Garden.

Visitors were also encouraged to explore the Armenian Cultural Garden (Garden #11 on the map), located on the north end of the grounds, and to learn more about the deep Armenian heritage represented within the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. Many thanks to all the efforts of the members of the Armenian Cultural Garden Association led by Suzelle Aghamalian, President, and all the volunteers who helped our Garden shine that day.

The event, attended by thousands, was a true testament to the spirit of Cleveland’s diverse communities, coming together in a shared celebration of culture, peace, and understanding. If you missed this year’s event, be sure to mark your calendars for next year!

For more information about Cleveland One World Day and to see event details, visit Cleveland One World Day 2024.