There’s a special event coming up in downtown Jacksonville that you won’t want to miss because it offers the chance to experience the sights, sounds and tastes of more than 30 countries without ever leaving home.

The 18th Annual World of Nations Celebration will take place from Thursday, April 29 through Sunday, May 2 in Jacksonville’s Metropolitan Park. The event is North Florida’s largest multicultural festival.

This year’s participating countries include The Bahamas, Cambodia, China, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Ghana, Haiti, India, Italy, Jamaica, Kenya, Lebanon, Mexico, Nigeria, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, Senegal, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Trinidad, Venezuela, and Vietnam.

Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. is reserved for registered school field trips only. The event opens to all on Friday evening with the International Party from 5 to 9 p.m. and free admission.

The festival will continue through the weekend.  Hours are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

On Saturday morning, approximately 50 people will become new U.S. citizens during the Citizen Naturalization Ceremony at 10:30 a.m. The afternoon festivities will feature The Parade of Flags at 2 p.m. It’s an amazing site to see representatives from each country carrying their native flags and dressed in authentic traditional clothing.

Ticket prices are $5 for one day, $8 for two days. Three years and under are free. Military and seniors with ID receive $1 off admission. Tickets may be purchased at the gate or in advance from the City of Jacksonville Office of Special Events.

No trip around the world would be complete without a passport. As you arrive to the World of Nations, be sure to pick up your “Passport to the World.” Each country will officially stamp the passport as you explore and learn about each destination on your journey. Passports can be turned into the Passport to the World Booth for a chance to win prizes!

Don’t miss this event and your chance to travel to a foreign land!