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CHICAGO — Navy Pier will host Global Connections presented by ComEd, a fun and festive series of three cultural celebrations honoring Chinese New Year (Feb. 5), International Carnivale (March 5) and Holi (March 19). This free event series is open to the public to attend and experience traditional cultural performances, one-of-a-kind food offered by local vendors and live entertainment at each event.
“As the People’s Pier, we take pride in showcasing and celebrating the multitude of cultural festivals and holidays that support the Pier’s mission of being a welcoming destination for all locals and travelers,” said Marilynn Gardner, President and CEO of Navy Pier. “We invite everyone to take part in these unique festivities and discover the authentic experiences that the Global Connections series has to offer.”
The Global Connections series is a part of ComEd’s Powering the Arts initiative, focused on providing free, accessible entertainment to the public by highlighting unique cultural attractions and celebrations in the region.
“Navy Pier is known around the world as a destination for tourism and as a place to celebrate the rich culture and diversity found throughout our Chicago region – both of which will be on full display for this year’s Global Connections series,” said Melissa Washington, Senior Vice President of Customer Operations at ComEd. “Our ComEd team is proud to join Navy Pier in powering this year’s event and welcoming residents and visitors to celebrate the culture and traditions from across the region that we have the privilege of serving.”
Kicking off the festivities, Chinese New Year presented by ComEd at Navy Pier will be held on Saturday, Feb. 5 from 1-5 p.m. in the Aon Grand Ballroom that will be transformed into a joyful, interactive and family-friendly Chinese marketplace. Visitors can experience live performances of dance, music, martial arts, drumming and more featuring the best of Chicagoland’s Chinese artists. Guests can also browse Chinese artisan vendors, enjoy Chinese food and more.
International Carnivale presented by ComEd will take place on Saturday, March 5 from 1-5 p.m. in the Aon Ballroom. The one-of-a-kind Mardi Gras event, hosted by Logan Lu, will feature art making activities, music, and dance from across the globe including Brazil, Italy, Puerto Rico and North America. The event will also feature exciting live performances by Chicago Samba, La Tosca, Plena Project presented by Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center and Four Star Brass Band.
The Global Connections series will conclude with Holi presented by ComEd, the colorful Hindu springtime festival on Saturday, March 19 from 1-5 p.m. The free public event, sponsored in part by the Delhi Committee of Chicago Sister Cities, invites all to celebrate outdoors on the Pier by throwing handfuls of colored powder, available for purchase on site. Guests can also enjoy free live dance and musical performances inside the Aon Grand Ballroom to continue the celebration.
“Chicago and Delhi have enjoyed a strong sister city partnership since 2001, and we are thrilled to partner with Navy Pier so that Chicagoans and visitors can participate in the Holi celebration, one of the most awaited annual events, marking new life and energy,” said Smita Shah, Director on the Navy Pier Board of Directors and Chairman of the Delhi Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International.
Navy Pier will continue to operate in accordance with all current COVID-19 safety precautions. In accordance with the City of Chicago’s revised COVID-19 protocols, all guests over the age of 5 must show proof of full vaccination to attend any of these three Global Connections events as food and beverage will be offered for consumption. Visitors over the age 16 must also provide identification. Navy Pier will limit entry points into its facilities to help ensure each guest is properly screened. As required by the City, all guests over the age of 2 must wear a face mask that covers both mouth and nose while indoors, except while actively eating and drinking.
Click here to view Navy Pier’s COVID-19 operations and updates.
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE NAVY PIER PRESS KIT, INCLUDING B-ROLL, PHOTOS AND LOGO.
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE GLOBAL CONNECTIONS PRESS KIT INCLUDING IMAGES FOR MEDIA USE (COURTESY OF NAVY PIER).
About Navy Pier
Navy Pier is the People’s Pier, Chicago’s lakefront treasure, welcoming all and offering dynamic and eclectic experiences through partnerships and programs that inspire discovery and wonder.
Since its reopening in 1995, more than 180 million guests have come to enjoy the Pier’s 50 acres of unparalleled attractions and experiences. In 2022, Navy Pier continues to evolve into an accessible, year-round centerpiece for Chicago’s diverse arts and cultural treasures.