San Marcos hosted its 7th annual International Carnival of Cultures event Sunday at the San Marcos Civic Center.
The Civic Center courtyard was transformed into a free festival where spectators were invited to visit booths hosted by representatives of various ethnic groups.
The booths featured international cuisine, jewelry, educational heritage, traditional arts and crafts, face painting, and children’s activities from countries such as Russia, Africa, China, and Bulgaria.
"What surprises me is how many Russians are in San Marcos," Peggy Hansen of Vista, who was manning the Russia booth, told the North County Times about meeting natives or relatives of Russians at her booth.
Other booths included a booth on Africa manned by Misrak Menouta, a native of Zimbabwe who lives in San Marcos.
Another featured Sayra Barnfield of San Diego who misses the time she lived in Panama.
Peace was the common theme. Each booth stamped the word in different languages on paper passports to adventure.
“This event is about bringing all of San Diego together and sharing all of our differences. It’s about celebrating diversity,” said Cathy Cronin, a San Marcos recreation supervisor.
